Shchetkina: Union State programs should benefit both Belarus and Russia

“The Union State has certain development targets. They are fine-tuned and they are achieved through implementing the Union State programs. Now there are 28 of them. I think that their number will grow. We will see what the results will be. I think they will be published following the recent Union State Council of Ministers meeting. But we have heard that the presidents have said that the degree of their implementation stands at over 80%. And these are key areas, like energy, manufacturing, agriculture, transport, communications. And this is what the governments of our states are working on. They are responsible for the implementation of these Union State programs,” said Marianna Shchetkina.

According to her, the 2023 budget of the Union State is estimated at almost RUB6 billion. “To be precise, RUB5.966 billion. This money is meant for implementing the tasks stipulated by the Union State Treaty. These tasks imply programs, projects and activities,” she specified. “I have named the budget size, but you need to understand that the budget is formed mainly through contributions. Our presidents have repeatedly urged to put forward meaningful programs that will push forward our development, and these contributions can be augmented if necessary. Money should work. This should benefit the two states equally, because the programs of the Union State have two customers - representatives of Russia and Belarus” she added.