Lukashenko suggests spending more on Union State programs

The Union State programs should not be cut under any circumstances; their funding needs to be increased. This was stated by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko at a meeting with State Secretary of the Union State Dmitry Mezentsev, as reported by a BELTA correspondent.

"It is good that we are starting this year with this event. Frankly speaking, we need to update the Union State agenda and begin by summarizing the path taken and outlining plans for the future. To do this, we need to convene the supreme bodies of our Union State in person and hold a corresponding meeting. I think we could choose an algorithm whereby the Council of Ministers holds its meeting, and based on its results, we will determine the time for the Supreme State Council meeting, which will be held at the level of the highest officials of our Union State," said Alexander Lukashenko.

At the same time, the main issue on the bilateral agenda should be the implementation of sectoral programs, the head of state emphasized. "Economic, scientific, humanitarian, and other programs that we finance. They cannot be cut under any circumstances. Funding should only be increased, based on the most relevant principles and directions of our work in the economy: import substitution and so on. What our states need now – both Belarus and Russia included," the President noted.

"I believe we will meet again before the Supreme State Council meeting after the Union Council of Ministers. Find time for us to sit down and develop the agenda for the Supreme State Council. Negotiate with the Administration of President Putin regarding the schedules. We will decide here. If necessary, I will negotiate with President Putin, and we will finalize the agenda for submission to the Supreme State Council meeting. And then we will determine the time, agree on it," added Alexander Lukashenko.

Belarus and Russia are currently implementing union programs approved by the decree of the Supreme State Council dated November 4, 2021. As of January 1, 2023, 28 union programs have been completed by 67.8%. The following 7 programs have been fully implemented: integration of information systems of state controlling bodies for goods traceability; integration of information systems for transport control; harmonization of currency regulation and currency control; harmonization of requirements in the field of combating money laundering and financing of terrorism for the financial sector; unification of accounting regulation; integration of information systems of state controlling bodies regarding veterinary and quarantine phytosanitary control; development of atomic energy. The implementation of the union program in the area of harmonization of tax and customs legislation is at the final stage.

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