ArmInfo.Despite the apparent direct link between the creation of a common market and common gas tariffs in the EAEU, there is a mismatch of positions in this issue.
This is due to differences in gas preferences of the member states of the union. The head of the Armenian branch of the Institute of CIS countries, Alexander Markarov, expressed a similar opinion to ArmInfo.
"The contradictions between the interests of gas exporters and importers look quite logical and therefore justified. And more time isneeded to resolve them and to develop a common approach to gas pricing. These contradictions have been discussed for the past two years and the general model acceptable for all EAEU states has not been developed yet.In any case, the EAEU partners are trying to move in this direction, however, they come up against fundamentally different logics due to conflicting interests, "he said.
Noting the creation of a common market for goods and services, capital and labor as a priority, fundamental task of the EAEU, Markarov noted that economist should be the ones to evaluate the degree of success in the implementation of this project. At the same time, the removal of a number of obstacles in the direction of its achievement will probably create a favorable environment for this.
Commenting on the prospects of the deepening of Eurasian integration expected by Moscow in the context of the trend of global disintegration observed as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, the political scientist noted that everything depends on the meaning of integration. He recalled that the same EU did not reach the existing integration level in one day, it took decades. Accordingly, an EU-like integration project in the Eurasian space, according to his forecasts, can take place in the presence of political will, in fact, integration projects and strategies. And most importantly - the logical coincidence of the interests of all participants.
"In the absence of all of the above mentioned factors, it is quite natural that the process can remain on paper. Integration is not an end in itself and does not depend on good wishes. In essence, it is designed to facilitate economic relations, simplify trade, and remove all obstacles along the way. Accordingly, real integration moreover, its deepening is possible only if it is aimed at achieving these goals. Another point - specifically for Armenia is that integration into the EAEU means not only economic, but also political dividends. In particular, in relations with the EAEU organizer, allied Russia, "Markarov concluded. To recall, speaking at the online summit of the EAEU leaders on May 19, Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan stated that global challenges dictate the EAEU the urgent need to form a common gas market. "The formation of a unified system of gas tariffs is a necessity that is felt especially urgently in Armenia. I am convinced that the common market will contribute to increasing the competitiveness of goods by increasing the potential of the EAEU many times. Without this, ensuring equal business conditions for all states is impossible," he stressed. In response, Russian President Vladimir Putin pointed out that a single gas tariff in the EAEU implies a single market, a single budget, a single taxation system. Meanwhile, a similar level of integration in the EAEU, according to his estimates, has not yet been achieved. Accordingly, while prices should be formed on the basis of market conditions. Taking into account costs, investments, providing profit for suppliers. "The formula of the EAEU countries for gas prices proposed by the draft EAEU Development Strategy until 2025 is supported by Russia, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. Our Armenian and Belarusian counterparts have not yet accepted this formula," Putin said.
