European Integration: Everything New Is Actually Well-Forgotten Old

Introduction: the paper examines the history of the formation and competence of regional economic integration associations after the Second World War. The analysis of the integration processes that took place in the context of the current state of the world economy is given. The question of the viability of those models of integration associations that are still being used by the representatives of the West in opposition to the model proposed by Russia is raised. The purpose of the presented research is to analyze the state of the European system of economic integration with a comparative analysis of models of integration associations and to establish the characteristics and trends of development of such models, as well as to determine the role and place of Russia in integration associations. Methods: the paper was prepared with using the methods of scientific cognition, mainly the method of system analysis, comparative law and historical methods. Results: the most effective and rational strategy for cooperation within the framework of economic integration is to promote the role and effectiveness of existing integration associations (SCO, EAEU, BRICS and others), to attract states to participate in them, which the Russian Federation adheres to in accordance with the provisions of the current Foreign Policy Concept. Conclusions: regional economic integration is a multifaceted phenomenon that can strengthen the geopolitical importance and economy of only individual participants of the association, assist in establishing effective interaction between small and medium-sized (in terms of assessing economic power) states with larger integration entities and, in the case of Russia, contribute to the restoration and development of production, as well as the creation of their own Eurasian TNCs based on existing experience and resource base.