Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk stated at the international scientific and expert forum "Primakov Readings" that the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and the European Union (EU) are incompatible. He emphasized that the entry of non-regional players into Armenia will lead to consequences.
"Regarding Armenia, we cannot ignore the fact that the political vector of this country is increasingly leaning towards the West," Overchuk noted. He added that the benefits Armenia receives from its proximity to Russia should be seen as a payment for security and strategic depth. Therefore, he said, the entry of non-regional players into Armenia will have consequences.
Overchuk also expressed Russia's interest in a stable Armenia and "brotherly relations" with it. He recalled that Russia promptly assisted Armenia after the destruction of the only railway route connecting the country to the rest of the world through Georgia, and restored traffic in record time.
On June 21, the Armenian parliament held hearings on a referendum regarding an application for EU membership. On February 29, Speaker of the National Assembly of Armenia Alen Simonyan announced the country's readiness to become an EU candidate.
On March 13, the European Parliament supported the proposal to consider granting Armenia candidate status for EU membership. On May 14, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan expressed his desire to see Armenia as an EU member during a panel discussion at the Copenhagen Democracy Summit.
