| An exciting picture of a bight future painted with wide
strokes the idea of a Common Economic Space (CES) and the
Eurasian Union (see Vladimir Putins article in Izvestia -
Russian text
and English
text) is virtually pained over the problems that can
become crucial for Russia already in the short perspective.
What are the proposed guidelines for such integration with
Russias participation? Obviously, Vladimir Putin intends
to focus on the Asian vector, rather than the European. However,
there are no grounds (at least for Russia) to count that [Russias]
joining the Eurasian Union ... will allow every member state
to integrate into Europe quicker and from stronger positions.
Vladimir Putin writes that Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan will
be prospective partners in the CES. As you know, Russia ranks
154th-163rd (out of 178 countries) at present as of the Corruption
Perceptions Index. By the way, other CES member states, such
as Belarus and Kazakhstan are ranking higher: 127th and 105th
places respectively. Tajikistan ranks the same as Russia as
of corruption perceptions index, and Kyrgyzstan is a rank
lower occupying 164-167th place. Maybe it was worth while
to choose some other bench marks?
Vladimir Putin also writes about the reduction of labour
quotas and migration barriers as of unconditional benefits
of the CES. Certainly, a number of business sectors would
be interested in broadening their opportunities for attracting
migrant workers. Indeed, the employment of migrant workers
increases profits by means of saving on their wages, those
of the unskilled labour in the first place. But whether the
Russian society is interested in further uncontrolled growth
in the number of migrants already generating serious threats
of social, demographic and criminal nature?
By the way, the example of the European Union given by supporters
of opening of national borders and national labour market
is incorrect! The EU member states protect their domestic
labour markets and open them gradually (in many EU countries
there are still restrictions and quotas for employment of
foreigners - citizens of the "new" EU member states).
While only the states complying with the criteria of borders
security, personal data protection and cooperation of their
law enforcement agencies are allowed into the Schengen zone
(one of the examples here is the delay with the entry Bulgaria
and Romania into the Schengen zone). However, it is not surprising,
as the governments of the UE member states are formed by citizens
in elections. And the EU member states aiming at integration
do not put "geopolitical" and private business interests
above the interests of their citizens.
Finally, how will the Central Asian vector of integration
affect spread of drug addiction in Russia which has been rampantly
growing already? Central Asia is closely associated with drug
trafficking, and can hardly boast of successful drug control
measures.
I my view these problems are already enough to question the
preparedness and the fruitfulness of the proposed "integration
project". Maybe it is better to start from solving Russias
present system-defined problems rather than replacing such
work with new geopolitical ideas bringing to life the old
empire complexes only in a new package?
See also:
The
orginal publication
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