The Belarusian leader, Alexander Lukashenko, who also chairs the Supreme State Council of the Union State of Belarus and Russia, gave approval to a decree that sets the 2024 budget for the union. BelTA reported the move, noting that the budget reflects ongoing fiscal planning shared between Minsk and Moscow, with officials emphasizing that the framework was prepared in consultation with the Russian leadership. The decree marks a formal step in aligning economic planning with joint programs that affect both nations and their citizens. BelTA quoted sources close to the process as saying the approval ensures continuity in the regional collaboration that anchors the Union State project.
Officials indicated that the budget was coordinated with the presidency in Moscow, ensuring that Moscow and Minsk move forward on a unified financial path for the coming year. The arrangement reinforces the working consensus between the two capitals on how to allocate funds for joint initiatives, including infrastructure, defense, scientific cooperation, and social programs that serve residents on both sides of the border. BelTA noted that the agreement represents a shared commitment to a long term roadmap for the Union State and its strategic goals.
Foreign Minister Dmitry Mezentsev commented that it is vital to begin the new year with a solid financial document, because it means that funding for joint programs will commence on schedule. He described the budget as a cornerstone that keeps the union’s activities on track and lays the groundwork for coordinated implementation of projects across both countries. The official’s remarks were carried by BelTA, underscoring the government’s focus on timely execution of the union’s programmatic agenda.
According to the official statement, starting the year with the agreed budget serves as a clear signal that planned activities and financial commitments for the Union State will proceed without delay. This approach is meant to sustain momentum for collaboration in areas such as mutual investment, border management, and cultural exchange, while also reinforcing public confidence that essential programs will receive necessary support in a timely fashion. BelTA highlighted the emphasis on predictable funding as a stabilizing factor for ongoing joint ventures.
The topic of strategic partnership also featured statements from Russian defense and security leadership. Shoigu emphasized the enduring value of the partnership between Russia and Belarus, framing it as a foundation for regional stability and shared security interests. Belarusian officials, meanwhile, warned of potential threats from Western actors, stressing that cooperation within the Union State remains a critical element of their collective security posture. BelTA conveyed these perspectives as part of the broader conversation about safeguarding the union’s political and economic trajectory.