Russia warns Armenia: Economic relations could be reassessed over EU move

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk has stated that if Armenia moves toward European integration, Russia will have to reassess its economic relations with the country.

“We are closely monitoring these processes. We realize that if Armenia goes to Europe, then, accordingly, it will be necessary to revise the whole complex of economic relations with this country,” Overchuk told reporters, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

He emphasized that such a decision would have consequences for the Armenian people but acknowledged that it remains an internal matter for Armenia.

“Both the EAEU and the EU have similar agendas. Because it will not be possible to sit on two chairs at the same time,” Overchuk added, underscoring the need for Armenia to make a definitive choice.

His remarks come as the Armenian Parliament moves forward with legislation that could pave the way for the country’s accession to the European Union. On March 26, lawmakers adopted a bill in its second and final reading, officially initiating the process for Armenia’s potential EU membership.

The bill passed with strong support — 64 votes in favor, seven against, and no abstentions. However, the opposition "Hayastan" faction refrained from voting, while the "I Have Honour" faction opposed the measure.

This legislative initiative was driven by a coalition of public and political organizations, which gathered over 60,000 citizen signatures, surpassing the constitutional requirement of 50,000 needed to submit such a bill to parliament.

Despite the bill’s approval, opposition groups have criticized it for lacking a concrete action plan and noted that EU officials have responded with less enthusiasm than expected. They also raised concerns about the absence of a clear strategy for Armenia’s future relationship with the EU.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has clarified that passing the bill does not automatically grant Armenia EU membership, as such a decision would require a national referendum. He reiterated that while Armenia currently benefits from its membership in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), a significant segment of the population aspires to align the country with European institutions for its future development.

By Tamilla Hasanova