EURASIAN ECONOMIC UNION: INTEGRATION DYNAMICS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

The Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) is strengthening its role as a significant economic structure formed within the evolutionary development of Eurasian integration. Its formation is closely connected with historical processes aimed at restoring economic ties in the post-Soviet space. The purpose of the article is to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the formation and development of the Eurasian Economic Union in the historical and modern context, to identify key areas of integration processes. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, various formats of regional economic cooperation gradually evolved institutionally and eventually transformed into the current EAEU model. Today, the Union is regarded as an important platform for regional cooperation, facilitating trade, investment, and economic interaction among member states. This study aims to comprehensively analyze the functioning and development of the EAEU from both historical and contemporary perspectives through qualitative analysis of thirteen official speeches delivered at the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council meetings between 2020 and 2024. The research examines the formation and transformation of integration ideas, as well as their manifestation in modern economic policy. The findings indicate that integration constitutes the core element of the EAEU’s development and is rooted in historical continuity. Four main thematic areas were identified: integration achievements, the growth of regional trade, increasing interest of external actors in cooperation, and key requirements for further development. These areas highlight the interconnection between the historical foundations of Eurasian economic integration and its current development trends. The results demonstrate that the EAEU plays a significant role in strengthening economic cooperation, expanding trade relations, and improving the institutional framework of regional integration. At the same time, the Union’s development reflects the revival and transformation of historical economic ties in the Eurasian region.