ИСТИНА

Studying integration within the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) is generating heightened interest due to the existing barriers that prevent the EEU from becoming a global economic actor and hinder further development of the participating countries. To identify the origin of these barriers and estimate its impact, the article analyzes the interdependency of the economies of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia and Kyrgyzstan through an examination of mutual trade and investment cooperation. It shows that the current level of integration of the national economies does not point to a strengthening of Eurasian integration. The paper also notes that despite the significant geo-economic potential of the EEU, benefits of the customs union are distributed unevenly among its participants. These benefits lack consistency and a long-term orientation, which may ultimately pose a threat to the existence of the EEU if markets and international economic relations change. To overcome political and economic contradictions, the article suggests developing and implementing a common industrial and agricultural policy and changing the structure of manufacturing and cooperation relations. Aforesaid information can help in understanding the effectiveness of the present-day Eurasian integration process and collecting information about possible ways to strengthen the EEU.