Yerevan's choice between EAEU and EU must be made by people - Overchuk
YEREVAN, September 1. /ARKA/. The decision regarding Armenia's potential exit from the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) to pursue membership in the European Union (EU) must be determined solely by the Armenian populace, considering all relevant factors, stated Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk, as reported by Interfax.
"Recently, PM Nikol Pashinyan remarked that it is not feasible to be a member of both the EAEU and the EU simultaneously. Should such a decision be reached, I am confident that various factors influencing the decision-making process in either direction will be thoroughly evaluated," the deputy head of the Russian government informed reporters.
On August 20, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan engaged in discussions with Overchuk in Yerevan regarding the bilateral agenda between the Republic of Armenia and the Russian Federation, addressing current cooperation issues within the EAEU framework, including trade dynamics and the advancement of joint initiatives.
On August 28, Pashinyan acknowledged that Yerevan recognizes the impossibility of holding simultaneous membership in both the EU and the EAEU, and that when the choice becomes definitive and unavoidable, the appropriate decision will be made. He underscored that any scenario remains possible, influenced by the will of the people, the prevailing circumstances, the negotiation process, and the outcomes and prospects of situational analysis, as well as available opportunities and alternatives.
Armenia - EAEU - EU
On February 12, 2025, the National Assembly of Armenia passed the bill regarding the initiation of the country's accession process to the EU in its first reading. Subsequently, on March 3, the NA Committee on European Integration decided to postpone the discussion of this bill for the second reading due to technical reasons.
Previously, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan expressed that Armenia does not intend to cut economic ties and does not aim to decrease trade turnover with the EAEU and Russia. He emphasized that Armenia is pursuing economic diversification and seeks to enhance trade relations with the European Union as well.
The Prime Minister also remarked that commencing the EU accession process helps to mitigate certain foreign policy risks. He stated that Armenia can only become a member of the EU if the populace endorses this initiative through a referendum. Furthermore, according to the Prime Minister, the primary challenge Armenia faces in the EU accession process is adhering to EU standards.-0-
