MOSCOW, August 7. /TASS/. Mutual trade volume within the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) increased by 8% year-on-year in the first five months of 2026, surpassing $39 billion, Russian Economic Development Minister Maxim Reshetnikov said following the second meeting of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council in Kyrgyzstan.

The minister highlighted the steady growth of intra-bloc trade despite ongoing external pressure.

"The EAEU is developing rapidly. The primary indicator is mutual trade among the 'five' member states. In the first five months of 2026, it grew by 8%, exceeding $39 billion (3 trillion rubles)," Reshetnikov said.

Following the meeting of the Intergovernmental Council, a package of agreements aimed at developing and deepening cooperation within the Union was signed.

This includes an agreement on electronic commerce in goods within the EAEU, which introduces uniform requirements for product information, return policies, and dispute resolution procedures. According to the Economic Development Ministry, the new regulations will make the business environment more transparent and predictable, while consumers will receive supranational protection rights.

Another key document signed during the meeting is an agreement on mutual access for brokers and dealers to exchange trading across EAEU member states. Brokers from the "five" countries will now be able to access exchange trading in any EAEU country to conduct transactions on behalf of their clients without obtaining additional permits. The agreement is expected to boost liquidity in exchange markets and foster mutual investment.

Food security issues were also high on the agenda.

"The EAEU's food self-sufficiency level has exceeded 93%. Following the discussion, we agreed to continue working on closer coordination of mutual supplies," the Russian Economic Development Ministry noted.

Scientific cooperation is also expanding following the signature of an agreement on the mutual recognition of academic titles. Scientists from EAEU countries will no longer need to additionally re-certify their academic degrees to work within the Union. This measure aims to enhance academic mobility and facilitate joint research initiatives.