December 15, 2011 - 15:52 AMT
Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan may introduce common currency - Putin

In the future Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan may introduce a common currency within the framework of Eurasian Economic Union, a new entity meant to promote cooperation both with Europe and the Asia-Pacific region, Russian Prime Minister said.

"I think we’ll reach a level [of integration] as a result of the negotiating process to further find a compromise as to common currency and macroeconomic policies," Vladimir Putin said during his televised Q&A session on Thursday, Dec 15.

In November, the Russian, Belarusian and Kazakh presidents signed a declaration on Eurasian economic integration, a roadmap of integration processes aimed at creating the Eurasian Economic Union, which will be based on the Customs Union and common economic space among the three countries.

"This is real integration with a further transfer of some functions to a supranational body. This is not a revival of the Soviet Union, this is a process to fully retain the political independence of these states with the goal of increasing our competitiveness in the global economy, giving a new impetus to development and ensuring higher living standards for our citizens," RIA Novosti quoted Putin as saying.