Legal forms of integration in international construction contract law: conceptual and practical aspects within the framework of integration unions of the EAEU and the EU

This article examines the legal forms of integration in international construction contract law within the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and the European Union (EU). It focuses on the legal mechanisms governing construction contracts in the context of regional integration. Particular attention is paid to how the legal nature of these unions influences the harmonization of norms, standards, and procedures. The study considers the role of standardized contractual forms developed by the International Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC), which includes Brazil, India, China, and South Africa (four BRICS founding members). It analyzes the universality and adaptability of these forms to national legal systems. The research also explores how prioritizing bilateral agreements in the EAEU complicates unification, contrasting with the EU’s success in creating a coherent legal space. Political factors, such as sanctions, conflicts, and integrating solutions into Russian legislation while respecting national interests, are also examined. This research employs a comparative legal methodology to identify and assess similarities and differences in the mechanisms used by the EAEU and the EU for unifying construction contracts. This study reveals that successful unification of international construction contracts correlates with the level of integration within regional legal systems. The EU’s unified framework ensures predictability in applying FIDIC forms, whereas the EAEU’s reliance on bilateral arrangements impedes the development of universal standards, diminishing efficiency. Drawing on experiences from the EU and EAEU, this research recommends focusing on common norms through BRICS integration to harmonize the construction services market, reduce risks, and foster a stable business environment. Under conditions of political conflicts and sanctions, universally applicable contractual solutions and private-law instruments serve as stabilizing factors. They support sustainable growth in the international construction sector and reinforce states’ resilience in an emerging multipolar world.

international construction law, ICCL, International Federation of Consulting Engineers, FIDIC, international construction, construction contracts, EAEU, EU, legal integration, standard contract forms