Armenia Will Be Forced to Join Anti-Russian Sanctions, Says Shoigu

The potential exit of Armenia from the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) during negotiations for joining the European Union could cause significant damage to Yerevan's economy. This was stated by the Secretary of the Russian Security Council, Sergey Shoigu, as reported by Interfax.

He emphasized that leaving the EAEU during the EU membership negotiation process would cost Armenia 30-40% of its GDP. “Yerevan will need to rebuild the entire system of standards and certifications to meet EU requirements. Practically, this means at least stagnation, and at most, the destruction of the existing industries, including metallurgy, food, and light industry,” Shoigu said.

“Armenia must join European sanctions and the military-political decisions of the European Union, including within frameworks like the EU's common security and defense policy, as well as the European Peace Facility,” Shoigu stated.

He declared that if Yerevan joins the European Union, it will be obligated to impose tariffs on goods from Russia and other EAEU countries. “Naturally, there will be no talk of a customs union and free trade with EAEU countries, and we will also have to leave the CIS free trade zone,” the Secretary of the Russian Security Council noted.

“In the event of potential EU membership, Armenia will face not only economic difficulties but will also be forced to join the implementation of anti-Russian sanctions, which Brussels will insist on,” Shoigu pointed out. He stated that the sanctions would target not only Russia and Belarus but also Iran.

Shoigu highlighted that money transfers from Russia provide about 15% of Armenia's GDP. “A significant portion consists of transfers from Armenian citizens working in Russia. Considering that many will have to return to their homeland, and Europe won't be welcoming them, we can confidently predict that money inflows into the Armenian economy from abroad will decrease, notably and significantly,” he explained.

According to him, to integrate into the EU, Armenian citizens would need to give up the benefits provided by the EAEU's unified labor market. “This includes employment without permits, simplified registration, free medical assistance, free education, and much more,” said the Secretary of the Russian Security Council.

“As for Russia, our losses from Armenia's exit from the EAEU will not be substantial. The GDP decline will not exceed fractions of a percent; according to our estimates, between three and four hundredths,” Shoigu stated.