The event was held as part of the 29th St Petersburg International Economic Forum.
Alexei Overchuk takes part in the Union State: Time to Be First session
The year 2026 marks the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty on the Establishment of the Community of Russia and Belarus. As part of the 29th St Petersburg International Economic Forum, a session entitled “Union State: Time to Be First” was convened, focusing on integration, strategic development, and the achievement of technological sovereignty by the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus amid an evolving global economic landscape.
During his address at the session, Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk underscored the importance of regular dialogue on Union State-building matters on the SPIEF platform and expressed gratitude to the organisers. He emphasised that Russia and Belarus are united by genuinely brotherly relations, underpinned by a shared historical, cultural, and spiritual heritage. The two nations share identical perspectives on traditional universal human values, as well as the principles of justice, and security both regionally and globally.
Alexei Overchuk noted that over the past three decades, a robust integration platform has been established, creating a common space “from Brest to Vladivostok” across the socio-economic, cultural, defence, migration, and information sectors. Within the framework of the Guidelines for Implementing the Provisions of the Treaty on the Establishment of the Union State for 2024–2026, measures are being implemented to forge a unified socio-economic space, fortify cultural and academic unity, and create favourable conditions for investment and innovation. In February 2026, the structure was approved, and instructions were issued for the preparation of the Guidelines for 2027–2029.
Positive trends in bilateral trade in goods within the Union State were noted – in 2025, this figure stood at $52 billion, with trade in goods and services reaching $62 billion. The Deputy Prime Minister also stressed that trade remains balanced, with the share of settlements for goods and services in Russian and Belarusian roubles reaching 99.1 percent. He highlighted Russia’s role as a principal investor in the Belarusian economy.
The Deputy Prime Minister emphasised the successful execution of the common industrial policy of the Union State. Specifically, to harmonise legislation in technical regulation, a decision by the Supreme State Council of the Union State on 26 February 2026 established the Union State Standardisation and Quality Committee. Jointly produced goods will be accorded the status of “a product of the Union State.” Within the Union State, 26 integration-driven import substitution projects are being implemented in microelectronics, aircraft manufacturing, automotive manufacturing, specialised engineering, and metallurgy.
Alexei Overchuk also drew attention to efforts to establish a unified regulatory environment and to develop integrated information systems.
The Deputy Prime Minister paid particular attention to the development of passenger services, noting that regular flights to Belarus operate from 10 regions of Russia — totalling 144 per week. Last year, new routes were inaugurated from St Petersburg to Brest and from Moscow to Mogilev. On 2 April 2026, cross-border suburban rail services were launched on the Smolensk–Vitebsk and Smolensk–Orsha routes. Work is ongoing to organise suburban services on other routes.
He also noted joint efforts to create a common cultural and academic space, including the development of cooperation in the areas of civic and patriotic education, creative endeavours, professional development for young people, sport, and tourism.
Alexei Overchuk emphasised that the Union State has become a model of integration processes across the Eurasian space and affirmed that efforts to deepen integration will continue.
