Potential for Cooperation among EAEU Countries in Implementing the Trans-Arctic Transport Corridor Projects

Russia faces the strategic task of easing numerous restrictions on its interactions with foreign partners caused by sanctions imposed by the US, EU, and several other countries. To address this challenge, a legal framework is being developed to reorient transport and logistics projects toward the South and East. The Arctic zone as a whole and the Trans-Arctic Transport Corridor (TTC) are becoming a key element in building Russia's new transport architecture. It is designed to provide Russia with access to the open ocean and strengthen the development of Russia's entire Arctic belt, linking not only the territories of the west and east, but also the north and south of Russia itself. Discussions on the development of the TTC are being organized by Russian enterprises and officials with partners within various international organizations, including representatives of the Eurasian Economic Commission under the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). However, most of Russia's partners in the EAEU currently show no interest in TTC development projects.The purpose of this study is to determine the forms and nature of Russia's interaction with EAEU countries in implementing projects around the TTC in order to identify prospects for cooperation. This answer is important for understanding the extent to which the Arctic agenda can play a driving role in the EAEU's various strategies, especially since China and several other Asian countries cooperating with the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) have consistently shown interest in the Northern Sea Route (NSR), which is part of the TTC. The study's original nature stems from its unique approach, which aligns legal aspects with specific examples of cooperation and Arctic-related materials from leading EAEU media outlets. The novelty lies in updating the data on the presented scientific problem, and its practical value lies in a clear understanding of the interests and principles of cooperation among Russia's partners in the EAEU on Arctic issues at present. This study complements the existing data on the development of Russia's Arctic strategy and on potential partners in this area. The study consists of several interconnected sections, allowing for a comprehensive answer to the question posed: the emergence and evolution of the TTC concept within the overall Arctic agenda; the Eurasian Economic Commission's approaches to the TTC; cooperation between EAEU countries and Russian Arctic entities in specific areas; and media coverage from Russia's partner countries within the EAEU. This study complements the existing data on the development of Russia's Arctic strategy and potential partners in this area.