Russia's spy agency: EU acknowledges risks of Armenia leaving EAEU Official statement

Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) has claimed that the European Union expects Armenia to face a severe economic crisis if it leaves the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), according to a statement released by the agency's press office.

The SVR said Brussels recognises that Armenia would lose significant economic benefits from participation in the Russia-led bloc and that the resulting decline in revenue would undermine the country's economic stability, Caliber.Az cites the statement.

According to the statement, the EU is also aware that it would be unable to offset Armenia's economic losses because of its own financial challenges, which the SVR attributed to sanctions against Russia and European support for Ukraine.

The Russian agency further claimed that several EU member states have indicated they are unwilling to open their markets to Armenian goods at the expense of domestic producers.

The SVR alleged that, despite these concerns, EU officials will continue to assure Yerevan of their support while linking tangible assistance to Armenia's progress toward European integration. It also claimed that Brussels is encouraging the Armenian government to reduce the role of Russian companies in strategic sectors, weaken humanitarian ties with Russia, and take action against domestic opponents of closer EU integration.

According to the statement, the EU is expected to promote this approach through discussions on visa liberalisation for Armenian citizens and promises of future economic benefits from deeper integration with Europe.

The SVR concluded by saying that the EAEU should not be expected to bear the economic costs of Armenia's closer alignment with the European Union.

By Sabina Mammadli