EAEU may expand its number of observers, Russian deputy FM says

Russia expects the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) to potentially add several new observer states soon, expanding its ranks, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Aleksander Pankin has said.

Speaking to Izvestia, he made clear that observer status does not impose any obligations on either side to do anything, and it is rather a step toward deepening cooperation, but not joining the union or complying with all supranational rules, Caliber.Az reports.

At the same time, Pankin clarified that there are currently no prospects for expanding the EAEU’s full membership.

According to experts, expanding the bloc’s full membership could instead create additional economic and bureaucratic burdens, given logistical and other difficulties caused by sanctions.

The main task now is to prevent disintegration, particularly in light of the position of the Armenian leadership.

Yerevan has continued its policy of rapprochement with Brussels after adopting a law in 2025 launching the process of joining the European Union.

“The European Union itself is indeed making efforts on various platforms to divide us, to distance us from one another — that is a fact. European commissioners visit individual countries and group meetings to promote and promise things that they are unlikely ever to deliver. And perhaps all these promises are aimed precisely at disrupting our cooperation,” Pankin noted.

The Eurasian Economic Commission previously stated that Nicaragua’s application for observer status was under consideration. Venezuela and Myanmar have also expressed interest.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov