MOSCOW — Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk warned late Thursday that Armenia’s potential accession to the European Union would be “incompatible” with its continued membership in the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU), a Russian-led trade bloc providing tariff-free access to Russia’s market. Overchuk also cautioned that Armenia would face significantly higher costs for Russian energy and food resources.
The Armenian government earlier on Thursday approved a bill, drafted by several pro-Western political and civic groups, to initiate the process of Armenia’s accession to the EU. The Armenian parliament has not yet scheduled a debate on the proposed legislation.
“After the adoption of this law, we will have to discuss with the EU roadmaps envisaged by both sides and jointly develop a roadmap,” Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated during a cabinet meeting in Yerevan. He added that the process would culminate in a national referendum on EU membership.
Overchuk criticized the move, saying, “We consider the beginning of the discussion in Armenia of the draft law ‘On the launch of the process of joining the European Union’ as the beginning of Armenia’s withdrawal from the EEU.” He added that Russia would adjust its economic policies toward Armenia accordingly.
He warned that such a withdrawal would lead to increased costs for Russian natural gas and food imports, alongside a significant drop in Armenian exports.
“Ordinary people will lose income and jobs and will pay more for essential goods,” Overchuk stated. “In return, they will likely receive a visa-free regime with EU countries, and Armenia will face depopulation.”
