It Is Unacceptable for Armenia to Declare Its Intention to Join the EU While Continuing to Benefit from the EAEU, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Says

MOSCOW — “It is an unacceptable situation for EAEU member states when Armenia enshrines in its legislation its intention to join the European Union while continuing to enjoy all the benefits and advantages of membership in the Eurasian Economic Union.”

This was stated by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin, who added that Moscow does not understand why Armenia’s leadership is not rushing to hold a referendum on membership in these blocs.

“As you know, the leaders of the four states I mentioned — Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Belarus — expressed concern over the risks to the economic security of EAEU member countries during the May 29 meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council in Astana. By December, experts are expected to work out both the economic and legal aspects related to the possible consequences of suspending Armenia’s participation in the EAEU,” Galuzin said.

The Russian deputy foreign minister recalled that the presidents of the four EAEU countries had spoken in favor of holding a referendum in the near future, since, under Armenian law, a referendum is required when Armenia joins supranational integration structures.

“Therefore, frankly speaking, we do not quite understand why the Armenian leadership is not in a hurry to ask the country’s citizens about their attitude toward this very important issue,” the Russian deputy foreign minister said.

According to him, it is unacceptable for EAEU members when Armenia officially declares and legally enshrines its so-called European aspirations while continuing to benefit from all the advantages of membership in the Eurasian Economic Union.

“In my opinion, the law adopted in Armenia last April is called ‘On Launching the Process of Armenia’s Accession to the European Union.’ What else do we need in order to state that Armenia’s process of joining the European Union has begun? A special law on that matter has been adopted. I see no other interpretation here,” Galuzin said in response to the observation that Armenia has not yet submitted an official application for EU membership and does not have candidate status.

According to Galuzin, what is of fundamental importance is that there is a law adopted by parliament and signed by the country’s president, as well as practical steps aimed at bringing Armenia closer to the European Union.