Russian President declared that Armenia's simultaneous membership in the EU and the Eurasian Economic Union is impossible
02.09.2026,
11:37
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Armenia cannot simultaneously be a member of both the European Union and the Eurasian Economic Union, asking the republic to make a choice.
YEREVAN, September 2. /ARKA/. Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Armenia cannot simultaneously be a member of both the European Union and the Eurasian Economic Union, asking the republic to make a choice.
"Regarding the EU and the Eurasian Economic Union, I also said today: go ahead, this is the sovereign decision of any country. We are bound by historical ties of friendship with the Armenian people; our relations with Armenians, with the Armenian people, are deeply rooted," Putin said at a press conference following the SCO summit in Bishkek.
He also stated that Armenia's simultaneous membership in both associations is impossible.
"We have different phytosanitary norms, technical standards, and generally many things that are incompatible, at least for now," Putin said.
He also commented on Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's statement that Yerevan had not applied to leave the EAEU.
"When the Prime Minister said we hadn't applied to leave the EAEU, I said, 'Well, how could that be?' They passed a law on the start of the EU accession process. So, you've announced to us that you're leaving the EAEU in some way," Putin said.
According to him, Armenia receives significant benefits from its membership in the EAEU.
"I'm not even talking about energy prices right now. Our market, the facilities being built there—there are all sorts of benefits. By using these benefits in their dealings with us, the country will strive to leave. Well, let them tell us honestly what they want, what their desires are," Putin said.
Pashinyan's Position
At a meeting with Putin in Bishkek the previous day, Pashinyan stated that the course toward European integration is not directed against Russia or the EAEU, and that the desire to have alternatives is a legitimate goal for the state.
According to him, Armenia has not yet notified its EAEU partners of its intention to leave the union; a concrete choice between integration paths will have to be made if such an alternative does indeed arise. "The time is not ripe for this at the moment. We currently have no alternative," Pashinyan said.
In response, Pashinyan suggested that Armenia make a choice and close the door on the matter. "The simplest thing is to turn to people and ask, 'What do you want? This way or that way?' That's all," Putin emphasized.
Armenia-EU: Key Points
In the spring of 2025, Armenia adopted a law beginning the process of joining the European Union, and in December, in Brussels, the parties approved the strategic agenda for the Armenia-EU partnership. Yerevan stated that this agenda includes support for the country's sovereignty, territorial integrity, democratic reforms, and economic sustainability.
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has repeatedly emphasized that Armenia is moving toward EU standards, but for now maintains membership in the EAEU. According to him, if combining both approaches becomes impossible, the next choice will be made together with the country's citizens.
"Regarding the EU and the Eurasian Economic Union, I also said today: go ahead, this is the sovereign decision of any country. We are bound by historical ties of friendship with the Armenian people; our relations with Armenians, with the Armenian people, are deeply rooted," Putin said at a press conference following the SCO summit in Bishkek.
He also stated that Armenia's simultaneous membership in both associations is impossible.
"We have different phytosanitary norms, technical standards, and generally many things that are incompatible, at least for now," Putin said.
He also commented on Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's statement that Yerevan had not applied to leave the EAEU.
"When the Prime Minister said we hadn't applied to leave the EAEU, I said, 'Well, how could that be?' They passed a law on the start of the EU accession process. So, you've announced to us that you're leaving the EAEU in some way," Putin said.
According to him, Armenia receives significant benefits from its membership in the EAEU.
"I'm not even talking about energy prices right now. Our market, the facilities being built there—there are all sorts of benefits. By using these benefits in their dealings with us, the country will strive to leave. Well, let them tell us honestly what they want, what their desires are," Putin said.
Pashinyan's Position
At a meeting with Putin in Bishkek the previous day, Pashinyan stated that the course toward European integration is not directed against Russia or the EAEU, and that the desire to have alternatives is a legitimate goal for the state.
According to him, Armenia has not yet notified its EAEU partners of its intention to leave the union; a concrete choice between integration paths will have to be made if such an alternative does indeed arise. "The time is not ripe for this at the moment. We currently have no alternative," Pashinyan said.
In response, Pashinyan suggested that Armenia make a choice and close the door on the matter. "The simplest thing is to turn to people and ask, 'What do you want? This way or that way?' That's all," Putin emphasized.
Armenia-EU: Key Points
In the spring of 2025, Armenia adopted a law beginning the process of joining the European Union, and in December, in Brussels, the parties approved the strategic agenda for the Armenia-EU partnership. Yerevan stated that this agenda includes support for the country's sovereignty, territorial integrity, democratic reforms, and economic sustainability.
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has repeatedly emphasized that Armenia is moving toward EU standards, but for now maintains membership in the EAEU. According to him, if combining both approaches becomes impossible, the next choice will be made together with the country's citizens.
