Russia views Armenia’s EU entry move as beginning of EAEU exit

Russia has expressed concern that Armenia’s decision to initiate the process of joining the European Union marks the start of its withdrawal from the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).

"They [Armenia] say that they do not plan to withdraw from EAEU. But what is the specificity of the situation?" Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk said, News.Az reports, citing TASS.

"The fact that Armenia is getting closer to the European Union has long been discussed, but on January 9, 2025, the government of Armenia took a legally meaningful step as it supported the bill announcing the launch of the process of the EU entry. This is the peculiarity of the situation. It was a decision by the Armenian government, and we consider it as a start of Armenia’s withdrawal from EAEU," Overchuk explained.

"It rests with the Armenian government to take further steps. They argue either that there is no such an issue on the Armenian government’s agenda, or that they do not want or plan to withdraw [from EAEU], or that they will revise where it will be better for them. Let’s see how the situation will unfold," he added.

News.Az