REGIONAL INTEGRATION

The external contour of the EAEU: the potential for enlargement and the search for optimal mechanisms of interaction

In the context of the global economic crisis, general geopolitical instability – only a deepening economic partnership is able to stabilize and speed up the development of the countries of the Eurasian space. The Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) has successfully passed the stage of development as international and regional organization, has gained international legal personality and at this stage the most urgent task is the development of cooperation between the Eurasian Economic Union and third countries and integration associations.

EURASIAN UNION AND ITS PERCEPTION WITHIN THE POLITICAL ELITE AND THE EXPERT COMMUNITY OF PROSPECTIVE MEMBERS

The article analyzes the historical roots of the Eurasian Idea, the pro- ject of the Eurasian Union how it was represented in political discus- sion of the leaders of «Eurasian countries». Author traces the sources of formation and stages of development of the Eurasian Union, as well as perception of this project within the political elite and the expert community of prospective members.