Kazakhstan is taking on its new responsibilities as the chair of the EAEU amid instability caused by global economic changes, noted political scientist Talgat Kaliev. He emphasized that the world is undergoing significant transformations in economic paradigms that have existed since World War II. “The global trading system, based on market division of labor, is currently at a crossroads, and we cannot accurately predict where it will end up,” he added.
Kaliev also pointed out that in the more than ten years of the EAEU's existence, the organization has faced serious external challenges. “The economies of Kazakhstan and Russia, which are the main players in the EAEU, are heavily dependent on fluctuations in global energy prices, which requires constant adjustments to economic policy,” he explained. “Thus, the EAEU faces the task of adapting to new conditions of global trade, modernizing its economies, and forming a new identity,” the expert added.
According to Kaliev, the influence of external factors will continue to be felt in 2026, and the EAEU member countries must strive to maintain economic stability. “Much will depend on the progress of the peace process between Ukraine and Russia, as well as on the sanctions policy of the West, which will also affect the state of the EAEU,” he emphasized.
Main Priorities for Astana
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Kazakhstan and the new chair of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council, stated during a meeting in St. Petersburg at the end of 2025 the importance of integrating artificial intelligence into the activities of the Union. He highlighted the necessity of using this technology to forecast trade flows, analyze the impact of customs duties, and monitor the legal norms of member countries to ensure compliance with the EAEU Treaty. He also proposed developing a joint statement on the responsible use of AI within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Forum, which will be held in Kazakhstan this year.
Tokayev expressed the opinion that the EAEU has the potential to become a global transport and logistics center. He emphasized the need to develop logistics capabilities and strengthen industrial cooperation, noting that additional opportunities for production and export of goods in EAEU countries are estimated at 67 billion dollars according to analysts from the Eurasian Development Bank.
Furthermore, the Kazakh leader stressed the need to eliminate artificial barriers to the movement of citizens within the EAEU, as well as issues with cargo transportation at borders. He called on member countries to strictly adhere to mutual obligations. It is worth noting that in 2025, agreements on free trade were signed between the EAEU and Mongolia, as well as agreements on economic partnership with the UAE and Indonesia. Tokayev also highlighted the importance of expanding the Union's cooperation with Arab countries, Global South states, Southeast Asia, and Africa.
Currently, the EAEU consists of five countries: Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia. The chairmanship of the Union is passed annually among these states.
