Legal Regulation of Bilateral Relations Between the Russian Federation and Foreign States in the Field of Social Security

INTRODUCTION . This article embodies a thorough study of the current national treaty massif in the area of bilateral cooperation between the Russian Federation and foreign countries on social security (pension) matters. The present article categorizes these international treaties, describes their key characteristics, outlines inherent advantages meanwhile also identifying their common shortcomings. The relevance of the study is due to the high need to develop and adopt new international treaties of the Russian Federation in the field of social (pension) security. This is primarily relevant when it comes to the treaties with the member states of the Commonwealth of Independent States (hereinafter referred to as the CIS) in light of the recent denunciation of the Agreement on Guarantees of the Rights of Citizens of the CIS Member States in the Field of Pension Provision dated March 13, 1992 by the Russian Federation. Based on the data obtained during the review, a proposal was made for further expansion of the bilateral legal framework in this area. MATERIALS AND METHODS . The main emphasis in the work is made on the subject study of the most representative sample of current bilateral international treaties of the Russian Federation, dedicated to pension provision for various categories of the population. The methodology of this research is based on some certain general theoretical methods, specifically the formal-logical method, deduction and induction, analysis and synthesis. In addition to all of the mentioned above, specific scientific methods such as historical and comparative legal ones were employed while preparing the article. RESEARCH RESULTS . Upon the completion of the study, it was concluded that, of all the types of bilateral agreements regulating relations in the sphere of pension provision, those based on a proportional pension model are the most effective in protecting workers' rights and interests and the most just in terms of distributing the financial burden of pension payments. However, it was emphasized that, regarding agreements concluded with countries formerly part of the USSR, a hybrid model is quite feasible. Under the latter pension payments for work experience acquired up to and including January 1, 1991, are made by the individual's state of permanent residence. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS . It was noted that, given the imposition of unilateral economic restrictions by most European Union member states on the Russian Federation, the practical implementation of bilateral agreements with these countries is extremely hampered. The reason for that is the impossibility of transferring to their territories pensions allocated to Russian citizens which gives rise to the problem of infringement of the rights of Russian citizens. Such issue requires a long-term solution, which is not possible without the coordinated efforts from all the involved agencies, using, inter alia, diplomatic means.