Modern Europe - Commonwealth of Independent States

Commonwealth of Independent States

See also: Post-Soviet states#Regional organizations

The Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) is a loose organization in which most former Soviet republics participate. A visa-free regime operates among members and a free-trade area is planned for the beginning of 2011. Ukraine is not an official member, but does participate in the organization. Some members are more integrated than others, for example Russia and Belarus form a Union State. In 2010 Belarus, Russia and Kazakhstan formed a customs union and a single market (Common Economic Space) is scheduled to commence on 1 January 2012. The Presidents of Belarus, Russia and Kazakhstan plan to create a Eurasian Union with a Eurasian Commission in 2015. A common currency is also planned, potentially to be named "evraz". Some other countries in the region are potential members of these organizations.

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Famous quotes containing the words commonwealth of, commonwealth, independent and/or states:

    “We must conceive of this whole universe as one commonwealth of which both gods and men are members.”
    —Marcus Tullius Cicero (106–43 B.C.)

    “While the Governor, and the Mayor, and countless officers of the Commonwealth are at large, the champions of liberty are imprisoned.”
    —Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)

    “The class of citizens who provide at once their own food and their own raiment, may be viewed as the most truly independent and happy.”
    —James Madison (1751–1836)

    “Sean Thornton: I don’t get this. Why do we have to have you along. Back in the states I’d drive up, honk the horn, a gal’d come runnin’ out.
    Mary Kate Danaher: Come a runnin’. I’m no woman to be honked at and come a runnin’.”
    —Frank S. Nugent (1908–1965)