In the energy sector, agreements have been reached on the gradual formation of unified oil, gas, and electricity markets, which will level the level of energy costs for Russian and Belarusian companies. The parties also agreed on a comfortable price at which natural gas will be supplied to Belarus next year.
"According to our estimates, only the direct effect of the implementation of the integration package for Belarus is projected to increase GDP by about $1 billion, not counting additional opportunities for Belarusian business in the Russian market. The social block of the union programs is also significant. In this area, special emphasis is placed on the harmonization of approaches to pension provision, measures of social protection and support for certain categories of citizens, the introduction of common principles of consumer rights protection," Roman Golovchenko added. Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin noted that the union programs determine a clear trajectory of joint work in almost all areas, including industry, finance, energy, agriculture, tax and customs regulation, monetary policy. They relate to the transport market, labeling of goods, payment systems, veterinary and phytosanitary control, consumer protection and unification of legislation in the labor sphere. "In addition, we adopted a joint statement by the heads of government of Russia and Belarus, which reflected the fundamental tasks of the union construction. We hope that the adopted decisions will be approved by the Supreme Council," he added.