Armenian official defends country's dual approach to EAEU and EU relations

Yerevan is focused on maximizing its opportunities without being forced into a singular choice between the European Union (EU) and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), according to Deputy Foreign Minister Paruyr Hovhannisyan.

He made this statement in response to questions about whether Armenia must choose between these two associations, Caliber.Az reports via Armenian media.

“Sometimes it is necessary to approach processes more creatively. When we have problematic situations, we solve them at this stage. Now our approach in this regard is step-by-step, and our rapprochement with the European Union has exactly this narrative. It is a complex process, it has appropriate stages, and at the moment the question of what is compatible and what is incompatible is not on our agenda,” he said.

Referring to past criticisms from Russian officials and Armenian experts about the incompatibility of the two alliances, Hovhannisyan pointed to Armenia’s signing of the Comprehensive and Extended Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the EU in 2017, despite being a member of the EAEU at the time. While the free trade provisions of the agreement were lighter than initially expected, Hovhannisyan highlighted that 75% of the sectoral cooperation chapters were preserved.

In a recent press conference on January 31, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan also addressed Armenia’s position within the EAEU. “We feel pretty good in the EAEU,” Pashinyan said, referencing the EAEU-Iran Free Trade Agreement, and expressed interest in strengthening ties with Iran. He also acknowledged the aspirations of part of the Armenian population to forge closer relationships with the EU. “We cannot ignore the aspirations of a sensitive part of our people,” he noted, emphasizing the balance Armenia must strike between its EAEU membership and European ambitions.

Earlier in January, the Armenian government approved a draft law to begin the process of joining the EU, following the collection of 60,000 signatures from non-parliamentary parties. Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan has emphasized that Armenia’s European aspirations reflect the will of its citizens.

In response, Russia expressed concerns about Armenia’s EU ambitions while still remaining in the EAEU. Russian presidential spokesperson Dmitry Peskov questioned what Armenia’s EU aspirations would mean, calling for clarity on the country’s intentions. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk further remarked that pursuing EU membership could signal Armenia’s exit from the EAEU, comparing it to “buying a ticket to the Titanic.”

By Tamilla Hasanova