Sustainable Development of the Russian Cross-Border Regions in Eurasian Integration

The article explores the sustainable development of cross-border regions of Russia in integration with Eurasian countries. The sustainable development is considered in three aspects: economic, environmental and social. The main trends of economic cooperation of the cross-border regions of the Far East and Eastern Siberia with China, Mongolia and the Republic of Korea are analyzed. The relevance of the study of this aspect is justified by the fact that the economic recovery of these regions is a national priority in the case of increased sanctions from Western countries and the implementation of the "Turn to the East" policy by the Russian government. The dynamics of Chinese foreign direct investment in the Russian economy is analyzed as well. The reasons for low ratings of investment attractiveness and economic efficiency of cross-border regions are identified. It is concluded that in the course of Eurasian integration, the raw material orientation of the development of the eastern Russian cross-border regions is strengthened. A comprehensive analysis of the environmental aspect of the sustainable development of cross-border regions participating in Eurasian integration is given in particular. An increase in the anthropogenic pressure on nature as a result of the economic activity of Russian transboundary regions and as a result of the functioning of the economy of bordering countries has been revealed. Environmental ratings of the cross-border regions of the Russian Federation are lower than the average for Russia and indicate their great environmental problems. The social aspect of the sustainable development of Russian cross-border regions is studied on the basis of the analysis of life quality ratings, unemployment dynamics and lower quality of life in these regions is revealed than the average for the Russian Federation. The conclusion concerning the need to improve national and supranational institutions for regulating Eurasian integration is justified.