MINSK, 11 June (BelTA) – MPs have reviewed the implementation of the Union State budget during a joint meeting of the Parliamentary Assembly’s Commission on Budget, Taxes and Financial Markets and the Commission on Economic Policy, which took place in Moscow and Minsk via videoconference on 11 June, BelTA has learned.
Viktor Nikolaikin, Chairman of the Parliamentary Assembly’s Commission on Economic Policy, noted that the practice of holding joint meetings is not new and has proven its relevance and effectiveness. The issues brought up for discussion fall within the purview of both commissions. “The agenda has been shaped with an eye to the upcoming 70th session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union of Belarus and Russia, which is to take place in Brest on 21 June. We will be summing up the results of 2025 and considering certain amendments to the 2026 budget,” Viktor Nikolaikin outlined.
MPs were presented with the report of the Union State Council of Ministers on the implementation of the Union State budget for 2025, as well as the results of its external audit conducted by the Union State’s control bodies. Viktor Nikolaikin emphasized that the 2025 budget had been largely implemented and that a great deal of work had been carried out. Funding was provided for seven programs, two projects – the overhaul, restoration, reconstruction, and museumification of the Brest Fortress facilities at the Brest Hero Fortress memorial complex, and the creation of a new museum exhibition at the Buinichi Field memorial complex, as well as 43 individual measures.
Financing in 2026 also provides for the implementation of a number of programs and targeted projects. “Adjustments are inevitable. We discussed issues that require fine-tuning. The revenue side of the budget is growing compared to 2025, which is encouraging. Accordingly, the expenditure side also matters,” Viktor Nikolaikin said.
Ella Selitskaya, Deputy State Secretary and member of the Permanent Committee of the Union State, identified the areas that have received increased funding. These include, in particular, the scientific and technical program Union-Biomembranes, the development of cross-border suburban passenger rail transport, the project to create a Union State tourism information center, and others.
Meeting participants separately discussed the drafting of the main directions for implementing the provisions of the Treaty on the Creation of the Union State for 2027-2029. Representatives of the Belarusian Economy Ministry and the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation reported on the work being done. Currently, the draft includes 114 items, of which about ten are still under review. Cooperation between the relevant agencies has been established. The thematic sections include industrial cooperation in key sectors, protection of the internal market, integration of digital platforms, development of nuclear energy, the energy market, the tourism sector, the implementation of artificial intelligence elements in healthcare, and others. As always, the focus is on the practical side.
“Activities approved for 2024-2026 are now being finalized. By the end of the year, the relevant agencies must agree on and submit for approval by the Supreme State Council of the Union State the activities for the next three-year period. We have suggested that our colleagues from other Parliamentary Assembly commissions review the draft that the economic ministries have already developed. There may be comments or additions, since MPs work with their constituents. I am confident that involving the parliamentary corps will have a positive effect in terms of enriching and updating these activities,” Viktor Nikolaikin said.
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