Russian deputy FM warns of economic risks if Armenia pursues EU integration

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin has cautioned that Armenia’s potential pivot toward the European Union could trigger significant economic repercussions, including a painful adjustment period for the Armenian population.

“If Armenia chooses the path of European integration, this will objectively entail a revision of the well-established economic relations that Yerevan currently maintains with its partners through the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU),” Galuzin said in an interview with Russian news outlet Izvestia, per Caliber.Az.

“This will likely be a rather painful process, including, unfortunately, for the Armenian population.”

While acknowledging Armenia’s right to define its foreign policy, Galuzin stressed that dual membership in both the EU and EAEU is structurally incompatible due to differing customs and trade regimes.

“These are fundamentally different economic blocs,” he noted. “Accordingly, at some point, our Armenian colleagues will likely have to determine which direction they wish to pursue: integration into the European Union or continued participation in Eurasian integration.”

Galuzin underscored that Russia does not seek to undermine Armenia’s choices, emphasizing the strength of the current economic relationship between the two countries. “Our bilateral trade turnover last year amounted to around $12 billion, showing significant growth,” he said. “We have no plans to infringe upon Armenia's interests, nor could we. Armenia is our ally and strategic partner.”

He also highlighted the practical benefits Armenia currently enjoys through the EAEU framework, citing economic growth as a clear outcome. “This participation gives obvious benefits to the Armenian people,” Galuzin stated. “GDP growth last year reached about 6%, which is a direct result of EAEU cooperation.”

Contrasting these tangible benefits with what he described as the “abstract ideological notions” of EU integration, Galuzin argued that the European path offers little in the way of immediate returns.

“Even today, Armenia’s trade turnover with each EU country is many times smaller than with Russia,” he said. “Not to mention that the EU openly pursues a hostile policy toward Russia, Armenia’s key economic partner and strategic ally.”

Galuzin further accused the EU of attempting to sow division among Russia’s regional allies. “The European Union is obsessed with inflicting strategic defeat on Russia, blocking political solutions in Ukraine, and driving a wedge between Russia and its partners in the CIS, EAEU, and CSTO.”

Despite growing speculation about Yerevan’s Western ambitions, Galuzin praised Armenia’s ongoing commitment to Eurasian structures. “As of now, Armenia has not withdrawn from any EAEU institutions,” he said. “We greatly appreciate its successful chairmanship in 2024, and our cooperation continues.”

By Khagan Isayev