Moscow says Armenia has not discussed EU bid with EAEU partners

Armenia has not consulted its allies in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) over preparations for possible membership in the European Union, Mikael Agasandyan, director of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s First Department for CIS Countries, said in an interview with RIA Novosti.

Agasandyan said the department sees serious risks arising from Armenia’s legally established process of preparing for potential EU accession.

The comments came a day after Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said Yerevan could soon begin preparing an official application to join the EU. He said the authorities would subsequently hold a referendum on EU membership and Armenia’s withdrawal from the EAEU.

Pashinyan also said Armenia would not return to active participation in the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) over the next five years and that he would be “very glad” if Armenia were expelled from the organisation.

The Kremlin has warned that European regulations conflict with EAEU rules and that Armenia’s integration with the EU could harm its economy.

By Tamilla Hasanova