Armenia will not be able to simultaneously enjoy the benefits of both the European Union and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) if it begins the process of European integration. This was stated by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk during a meeting with journalists in Astana, TASS reports.
According to the Russian official, opening European markets to Armenia would automatically lead to the reinstatement of customs barriers with EAEU member states. This measure, he explained, is necessary to protect producers in the Eurasian bloc.
"The beginning of accession to the European Union means the beginning of an exit from the EAEU," Overchuk emphasized, adding that the Armenian side fully understands the consequences of such a decision.
The deputy prime minister also dismissed claims that a compromise could be found allowing Armenia to retain preferences in both economic unions. In his view, such assertions mislead the Armenian public.
At the same time, Overchuk noted that Armenia’s potential accession to the EU would be a lengthy process and urged waiting for the outcome of discussions in the Armenian parliament.
Earlier, BMG reported that Armenia’s parliamentary commission on European integration had approved a legislative initiative to launch the country’s EU accession process. The bill, previously endorsed by the Armenian government, will soon be included in the agenda of a four-day session of the National Assembly.
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, while supporting the initiative, emphasized that the bill does not imply automatic EU membership.
