Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 1 November (BelTA) - The concept “integration of integrations” initiated by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko implies a short-term cooperation program and also a long-term scenario of interaction between the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and the European Union (EU), Viktor Shadursky, the dean of of the international relations department at Belarusian State University (BSU), said during the international seminar to discuss the compatibility and complementarity of the various integration processes in Europe, BelTA has learned.

“Aligning the existing integration associations with the emerging ones on the continent is an important factor, if not the essential one, in strengthening security and accelerating development both in Europe and, more broadly, in Eurasia. This theme is actively discussed not only by academics and experts but also by politicians, including the heads of state. The Belarusian head of state voiced the “integration of integrations” initiative to promote closer interaction between the states and economic associations throughout the Eurasian continent. Many experts are unanimous in the opinion that the potential interaction between the two integration associations will provide great opportunities for the accelerated economic development of their member states,” Viktor Shadursky said.

According to him, it is important to start this work with the initiatives benefiting all participants. These can be projects in transport and infrastructure. They can shape not only the program of cooperation for the coming years but also the long-term scenario of development of contacts between the the Eurasian Economic Union and the European Union, Viktor Shadursky believes.

The event was hosted by the BSU international relations department as part of Belarus’ presidency in the Central European Initiative. According to Natalia Zhilevich, Ambassador-at-Large at the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Belarus suggested promoting connectivity in a Wider Europe as the main theme of its CEI presidency. In turn, Vice Rector of the Belarusian State University Sergei Khodin noted that its was important that the BSU has become a traditional venue for the discussions of such important topics as the development of international dialogue, promoting mutual understanding.

The international seminar was attended by the head of the European Union Delegation to Belarus Andrea Wiktorin, representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Education Ministry, Belarusian State University, Vitebsk and Mogilev universities, Minsk Dialogue initiative, the Council of Europe information point in the BSU, and public associations.