This is the Beginning of Armenia's Exit from the EAEU: Ovechuk

“Discussions about Armenia's ability to simultaneously maintain its membership in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) while joining the European Union are unfounded. Opening markets with European countries would mean closing them to EAEU countries,” stated Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Ovechuk.

“For us, this is a signal that the beginning of joining the European Union is the beginning of leaving the EAEU. It is evident to anyone who is slightly familiar with how these two integration associations are structured. In the discussions taking place in Armenia, some are insisting that it is possible to find some solution. They are, to put it mildly, misleading the Armenian people,” Ovechuk said.

According to Ovechuk, the Armenian side “absolutely clearly knows that the consequences will be as such.” “No one here should have any illusions,” he added.

The Russian Deputy Prime Minister did not comment on the possible phases of Armenia's de-integration from the EAEU, suggesting instead to wait for the results of discussions in the Armenian Parliament regarding the start of the EU accession process.