Armenia's desire to join the EU "will disappear very soon" - Lavrov
03.09.2026,
10:18
Due to its shortsightedness, the European Union is losing its advantages; Serbia and Armenia's desire to join "will disappear very soon."
YEREVAN, September 3. /ARKA/. Due to its shortsightedness, the European Union is losing its advantages; Serbia and Armenia's desire to join "will disappear very soon." This was stated by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, speaking at the Znanie Society lectures at the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF), according to TASS.
"Economically, the European Union, due to many factors, including its shortsightedness, not to say stupidity, is losing its advantages. And out of inertia, countries continue to say – our Serbian friends, and now our Armenian colleagues – that we want to join the European Union. I am confident that their desire to join will disappear very soon," Lavrov said.
On September 2, the EU Council approved the European Commission's proposal for temporary trade liberalization, covering approximately 80% of Armenian exports to the EU. The proposed measures have not yet entered into force: the draft regulation must be approved by the European Parliament. The preferential treatment will take effect upon entry into force and will last for two years. It will apply to a wide range of Armenian goods, including certain agricultural products, fresh fruits, vegetables, and plants, as well as beverages and alcoholic beverages.
"Economically, the European Union, due to many factors, including its shortsightedness, not to say stupidity, is losing its advantages. And out of inertia, countries continue to say – our Serbian friends, and now our Armenian colleagues – that we want to join the European Union. I am confident that their desire to join will disappear very soon," Lavrov said.
On September 2, the EU Council approved the European Commission's proposal for temporary trade liberalization, covering approximately 80% of Armenian exports to the EU. The proposed measures have not yet entered into force: the draft regulation must be approved by the European Parliament. The preferential treatment will take effect upon entry into force and will last for two years. It will apply to a wide range of Armenian goods, including certain agricultural products, fresh fruits, vegetables, and plants, as well as beverages and alcoholic beverages.
