Media: Russia may tighten economic policy toward Armenia

Russia may adopt a tougher economic policy toward Armenia, including possible restrictions on remittances and transport links and higher energy prices, Armenia Today writes. 

Moscow reportedly believes Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is seeking to delay a decision on the country’s potential accession to the European Union while negotiating continued access to the Russian market.

The report said Pashinyan could seek to postpone a referendum on EU accession for at least two to three years. During that period, Armenia would aim to diversify its exports before gradually shifting its economy away from the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) toward the EU.

Possible Russian measures could include the deportation of Armenian citizens working in Russia, restrictions on money transfers and transport connections, and higher energy costs, particularly for natural gas, the report said.

Tensions over Armenia’s foreign policy direction emerged during a September 1 meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Pashinyan in Bishkek. Putin said Armenia should make a decision on its EU aspirations sooner, while Pashinyan said the time for such a choice had not yet come.

On September 3, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Armenia would “very soon” lose its desire to join the EU. Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk said Armenia would make its own decision on EU membership, while Russia would determine whether to maintain economic preferences for Armenia.

Overchuk later described Armenia’s efforts to redirect its trade toward other markets as unsuccessful.

By Sabina Mammadli