Membership in the EAEU gives Armenia serious economic advantages, they will be lost upon joining the EU - Zakharova

YEREVAN, January 31. /ARKA/. Membership in the EAEU provides significant economic benefits to Armenia and other member states of the Union, which is also acknowledged by Yerevan, said Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova at a press briefing.

She noted that this issue was discussed during the visit of Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan to Moscow on January 21.

Zakharova emphasized that since 2015, exports from Armenia to EAEU countries have increased more than tenfold. She also pointed out that trade with Russia, based on preliminary data for 2024, has reached $12 billion, describing this as "fair income, not aid."

"Regarding the course towards joining the European Union, I would like to note that in such a case, all these benefits would be lost. If you are not a member of this union (the EAEU), you do not have access to the corresponding advantages," Zakharova stated.

She clarified that this is Armenia’s sovereign right, and Russia is simply presenting the situation honestly. As Zakharova mentioned, even in the medium term, Yerevan will not be able to replace trade with EAEU countries with alternative options.