Russia plans 'Eurasian Union' on EU model

Eurasian Union: Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan

Integration on the post-Soviet territory is becoming a reality. In 2011 the Customs Union of Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan was launched. On January 1, 2012, the three states are going to start working within a single economic zone. This all, however, was part of a more significant project called the Eurasian Union. Some western analysts believe that if the project is successful, the U.S. and China will have to face a new strong rival on the international scene.

image credit RIA Novosti: english.ruvr.ru

Russia is first and foremost touting the economic benefits of such a union,

like cheaper gas. Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan are in talks about joining as well.

On January 1, 2012, a new version of the common economic area between

Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan comes into effect. The three countries had

already founded a customs union in 2007, and Putin has said integration

with the EU could take place by 2015.

source: dw-world.de