After the end of the Eurasian Economic Union summit, the discussion of the prospects for Uzbekistan's accession to the organization came to the fore. Against the background of the outstripping global GDP growth rates of the participating countries, more and more states are showing interest in the EAEU. However, Uzbekistan remains the key partner that the union would like to see as a full member. The republic retains its observer status from 2020, but over the past four years has demonstrated a high level of involvement in integration initiatives.
A number of economic indicators were presented at the summit, highlighting the effectiveness of the association. The GDP of the EAEU countries in 2024 grew by 4.5%, reaching a cumulative value of $ 2.5 trillion. Industrial production and investment in fixed assets increased by 4.5% and 7.5%, respectively. These figures were voiced in the speeches of the leaders, demonstrating the completion of the union's formation stage and the transition to the phase of sustainable development.
Special attention was paid to Uzbekistan. During the discussions, the President of Belarus publicly stressed that the republic remains a welcome member of the association. The President of Uzbekistan confirmed his readiness to deepen partnership, noting that during his participation in the EAEU as an observer, the external trade turnover with the member states increased by 80% and amounted to $ 18 billion by the end of 2024. The main contribution to the supply structure was made by industrial products.
At the same time, the head of Uzbekistan outlined specific areas in which the republic is interested in deeper integration: simplification of trade procedures, harmonization of technical regulation systems, participation in digital projects, transport corridors and reinsurance mechanisms. Initiatives in the field of e-commerce, logistics, digital labeling and the introduction of artificial intelligence were proposed. They also discussed issues of labor migration, including joining the Work without Borders platform and convergence of professional standards.
Tashkent's foreign economic priorities remain a deterrent. At the current stage, the government of Uzbekistan is focused on joining the WTO, which is scheduled for 2026. According to experts, only after the completion of this process can we expect the start of an active phase of negotiations on full — fledged accession to the EAEU-approximately in 2027-2028.
According to analysts, work is currently underway to synchronize the legislation of Uzbekistan with the norms of the EAEU in such areas as technical regulation and phytosanitary control. The recent accession of the republic to the Eurasian Development Bank was an additional confirmation of the deepening partnership.
Despite the lack of clear deadlines for accession, experts see Uzbekistan's future membership in the EAEU as a logical step in the long term. In the context of the weakening influence of global trade institutions, the country seeks to maintain a balance between the key areas of foreign economic policy. Supporting cooperation with the union, while simultaneously integrating into the WTO, is seen as a strategic line that minimizes risks and strengthens the country's sovereign position in the international arena.
Concluding the summit, the Russian president made a number of statements regarding the defense budget, international relations and a potential meeting with former US President Donald Trump. Defense spending in the structure of the federal budget of Russia is 6.3% of GDP — about 13.5 trillion rubles. According to the head of state, the country plans to reduce these costs in the future, which is associated with the completion of current military operations, and not with preparations for escalation against other countries.
Answering questions about foreign policy, the president stressed the importance of preparing for a possible meeting with Trump, calling him a "courageous person" and confirming openness to dialogue. They also expressed their readiness to resume economic contacts with American businesses under appropriate conditions.
