Published on: 2026-06-04
Source: Government of the Russian Federation –
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The event took place within the framework of the XXIX St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.
Alexey Overchuk took part in the session “Union State: Time to Be First.”
In 2026, the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty on the Formation of the Community of Russia and Belarus will be celebrated. As part of the XXIX St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, a session “Union State: time to be first” took place, dedicated to integration, strategic development, and the achievement of technological sovereignty of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus in the context of a changing world economic order.
In his speech at the session, Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk noted the importance of regular discussions on the issues of the Union construction at the SPIEF venue and thanked the organizers, emphasizing that Russia and Belarus are connected by truly fraternal relations based on a common history, cultural and spiritual heritage. The countries share the same views on traditional universal human values, principles of justice and security in the region and worldwide.
According to Alexey Overchuk, over three decades a powerful integration platform has been created that forms a common space “from Brest to Vladivostok” in the socio-economic, humanitarian, defense, migration, and informational spheres. Within the framework of the main directions of implementing the provisions of the Treaty on the Creation of the Union State for 2024–2026, measures are being implemented to form a unified socio-economic space, strengthen cultural and humanitarian unity, and create conditions for investment and innovation.In February 2026, the structure and the instructions for preparing the Main Directions for 2027–2029 were approved.
A positive trend has been noted in the indicators of mutual trade in goods within the Union State, which amounted to 52 billion dollars in 2025, and trade in goods and services – 62 billion dollars. The Deputy Prime Minister also noted that the trade remains balanced, the share of settlements for goods and services in Russian and Belarusian rubles reached 99.1%. He emphasized Russia’s role as a key investor in the Belarusian economy.
Successful implementation of a unified industrial policy of the Union State has been recorded. In particular, for the purpose of harmonizing legislation in the field of technical regulation, by the decision of the Supreme State Council of the Union State on February 26, 2026, the Committee on Standardization and Quality of the Union State was established. Joint products will receive the status of “Union State goods.” In the Union State, 26 integration import substitution projects are being implemented in microelectronics, aircraft manufacturing, automobile manufacturing, special machinery, and metallurgy.
Aleksey Overchuk also highlighted efforts to form a unified regulatory environment and to develop integrated information systems.
Separate attention was paid by the Deputy Prime Minister to questions of the development of passenger transportation, noting that regular flights to Belarus are carried out from 10 regions of Russia – currently 144 per week. Last year, new flights were launched from Saint Petersburg to Brest, and from Moscow to Mogilev. On April 2, 2026, a cross-border suburban railway service was opened on the routes Smolensk – Vitebsk and Smolensk – Orsha. Work is underway to organize suburban service on other routes.
Joint work on the formation of a unified cultural and humanitarian space has been noted, including the developing interaction in the field of civic-patriotic education, creativity, professional development of youth, sports, and tourism.
Aleksey Overchuk emphasized that the Union State has become an example of integration processes in the Eurasian space and that work on deepening integration will continue.
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