Entry of Extraterritorial Actors into Armenia Will Have Consequences, Says Overchuk

The EU and EAEU are incompatible, and the entry of extraterritorial actors into Armenia will 'have consequences.' This opinion was expressed by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk at the 10th International Scientific Conference 'Primakov Readings.'

According to him, Armenia's political vector is increasingly leaning towards the West. 'There’s a semi-joking remark that Nikol Vovaevich made in one of the interviews. When asked when he would join the EU if he could choose independently, Pashinyan jokingly replied, “this year.” Discussions are also underway about holding a referendum on EU membership,' Overchuk recalled.

He also pointed out some discontent among the Armenian society towards Russia. 'In any case, there is such a viewpoint, and this should be understood. But it should also be understood that the EU and the EAEU are incompatible. The benefits that any country receives from closer ties with Russia should be perceived as a payment we are making for our security and strategic depth. Therefore, the arrival of some extraterritorial players there will certainly have consequences. We are not handing out gifts here. We are interested in a stable Armenia, good trade relations, and good fraternal relations,' Overchuk stated.

Earlier, during hearings on the referendum on EU membership, the head of the European Integration Commission, Arman Yeghoyan, noted that EU membership is undoubtedly beneficial for a small country like Armenia, and the question is only the path to achieving that goal.

It is worth recalling that in October 2023, during a speech at the European Parliament, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that Armenia is ready to be as close to the EU as the EU deems possible.