How the Launch of 'CIS+' Changes Eurasian Integration and What it Means for BRICS+ Business?

In Dushanbe, CIS leaders established the "CIS+" format, granted SCO observer status at the CIS, and extended the term of Secretary General Sergey Lebedev. A total of 19 documents were signed, including the Concept of Military Cooperation until 2030, as reported by Interfax. The "CIS+" idea, initiated a year ago by Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, adopts the open format practice of the SCO and BRICS. According to Vladimir Putin, it enhances the Commonwealth's status and capabilities, as reported by MIR 24.

What Exactly Does the 'CIS+' Format Entail and How Does it Align with SCO and BRICS?

This is an "open door" for involving external partners in CIS meetings and projects, analogous to the practice of SCO and BRICS. The new format will allow for the inclusion of states and international structures for specific agendas, while the SCO gains the right to attend as an observer at the CIS, as confirmed by Interfax and as explained by MIR 24.

Joint summits of the CIS and SCO are not planned, but representatives of the organizations will be able to attend each other's meetings, as stated by Russian Presidential Aide Yuri Ushakov.

"This format will allow us to broaden the perception of the CIS in the world... We are close in spirit to the SCO, and now BRICS."

This is how CIS Secretary General Sergey Lebedev characterized "CIS+" in an interview, as reported by MIR 24.

What Are the Systemic Consequences for Eurasian Integration and BRICS+?

The main shift is the institutional "stitching" of platforms (CIS–SCO–BRICS) with an emphasis on the economy and settlements in national currencies. Vladimir Putin noted that Russia's trade turnover with CIS countries increased by 7% to $112 billion, and "practically all mutual settlements are now conducted in national currencies," as he stated at the summit.

"CIS+" is positioned not only as a dialogue but as a mechanism for preparing specific project tracks – transport corridors, energy networks, digital solutions, and humanitarian initiatives, as described by Trend.

However, the list of initial participants in "CIS+" has not been disclosed. The summit officially established the format, but without a list of countries that will join first, as clarified by RBC.

What Tactical Opportunities and Risks Are Foreseen in the Next 12–18 Months?

Short-term effect: more "entry points" to the CIS agenda and projects for external partners, but within the framework of soft coordination (without joint summits).

• Access to Meetings: Representatives of the SCO, CIS, and BRICS will be able to attend each other's meetings, expanding institutional interaction channels, as emphasized by Yuri Ushakov.
• Project Directions: The expected specification of tracks in transport, energy, digital, and humanitarian projects forms clear vectors for joint initiatives, as indicated by Trend.
• Payments: The share of settlements in national currencies within the CIS is already high, reducing currency costs and vulnerability to external restrictions.
• Institutional Limitations: Joint summits are not planned, and the list of "CIS+" participants has not been announced, leaving uncertainty regarding the timing and breadth of involvement, as reported by Yuri Ushakov and as noted by RBC.

Who Might Become the First Participants of 'CIS+' and When?

The list has not been officially named. Vladimir Putin stressed that there are "quite a few" interested parties, and participation is envisaged "depending on the agenda" of specific meetings, as he said at a press conference, and as Interfax explained the participation procedure.

On the side of formal integration, the next step has already been determined: the SCO has been granted observer status at the CIS. Such a regime was also established in the CIS itself for external partners in 2023, creating a "corridor" for format scaling.

How is the Political and Security Landscape Around the CIS Changing?

According to expert assessments, the meeting between Vladimir Putin and Ilham Aliyev on the sidelines of the summit heralded the normalization of relations between Russia and Azerbaijan. Simultaneously, CIS leaders adopted the Concept of Military Cooperation until 2030, formalizing coordination in the security sphere, as reported by RBC and as recorded by Interfax.

In the energy sector, Tajikistan announced its intention to build its own nuclear power plant with Russia's support. This is an example of major long-term projects around which "CIS+" can strengthen cooperation, as reported by "Belarus News."

Outcome for LPR: "CIS+" institutionally links the CIS, SCO, and BRICS into a single working framework without the rigid bureaucracy of joint summits. In the immediate future, this means more coordination points, an increase in the share of national currencies in settlements, and the elaboration of concrete infrastructure and energy projects, while maintaining uncertainty regarding the composition and pace of external participant involvement.