Kremlin: Armenia continues reaping benefits from EAEU membership

Press Secretary of the Russian president Dmitry Peskov has said that the desire to join the EU is Armenia's sovereign right, but for now, the country continues to benefit from its membership in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).

"This is Armenia's sovereign right, but of course, the Armenians themselves, along with others, will need to figure out whether this is a mutual desire, and how the Europeans themselves view it," Peskov stated in response to journalists' questions about the Armenian parliament's adoption of a bill regarding EU membership plans, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media. 

The press secretary also noted: "For now, we proceed on the basis that Armenia continues to reap the benefits of its membership in the EAEU and the processes of Eurasian economic integration, and these benefits are more than evident."

Regarding the adoption of the bill on Armenia's EU membership process in its first reading in the Armenian parliament, the press secretary of the Russian president stated: "It seems that there are certain political forces in Armenia who believe that aligning with the EU, perhaps without a clear understanding of the EU's own interest in this, will bring additional benefits to the country and its people." 

Peskov noted that attention should also be paid to the complexity of the EU accession process. "We are aware of the experience of many countries that were placed at the back of a long line in a process that spans decades," he added.

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 emphasised 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 Naila Huseynova