Eurasian integration must be based on clear values and principles rather than simply Russian influence

Recent events in Ukraine have triggered an interest in the Eurasian Union and Russia’s role in the region. Catherine Lefèvre writes that although Eurasian integration may be inspired to some extent by the European Union, it lacks the shared principles and values which have underpinned some of the EU’s successes. She argues that if Eurasian integration is simply driven by Russian influence, rather than voluntarily negotiated principles, then it will ultimately be unsustainable.