Yerevan's Decision Seen as Beginning of Exit from EAEU: Ovechuk

Moscow regards Yerevan's decision to initiate the process of joining the European Union (EU) as the beginning of Armenia's exit from the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). This was communicated to reporters by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Ovechuk.

“They (Armenia) say they do not plan to leave the EAEU, but what is special about the currently created situation? For a long time, discussions have been ongoing about Armenia's rapprochement with the EU, but on January 9, 2025, the Armenian government made a legally significant step by supporting the bill that announces the start of the EU membership process. This is the peculiarity of the situation. This was a decision made by the Armenian government, and we consider it the beginning of Armenia's exit from the EAEU,” Ovechuk said.

He added that the next steps remain with the Armenian government, whether they insist that such a question is not on the government's agenda, or that they do not want or plan to leave the EAEU, or that they will assess where it would be better for them. “Let’s see how the situation develops,” he stated.

Ovechuk emphasized that “already last year the Russian side noted that under the influence of discussions about joining the EU, Russian businesses have become more cautious regarding the further maintenance and development of economic ties with Armenia.”

“We noticed that business activity has begun to halt in several sectors,” the Russian Deputy Prime Minister said.

Previously, the Armenian government had approved a draft decision on the start of the EU accession process, which is now to be discussed by parliament. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that this “does not literally mean Armenia's membership in the European Union, as this decision can only be made through a referendum.”