Yerevan calls for functional EAEU, warning against fate similar to CSTO

Armenia’s Minister of Economy Gevorg Papoyan expressed strong concern over the functionality and future viability of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), drawing a sharp contrast with the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO), local Armenian media outlets reported on Wednesday, July 29, as cited by Caliber.Az.

Speaking directly to journalists, Papoyan emphasised Yerevan’s interest in ensuring the Moscow-led economic bloc delivers on its operational commitments rather than sliding into institutional paralysis.

"We, as a full member and country of the EAEU, are concerned about the fate of the EAEU, because we want the EAEU to exist, work, and function, rather than, for example, be similar to the CSTO," Papoyan said.

The minister’s comparison to the CSTO highlights ongoing geopolitical tensions between Yerevan and Moscow following Armenia's effective freeze of its participation in the military alliance.

Addressing trade friction and non-tariff barriers within the economic union, Papoyan pointed to market access issues affecting trade flows into Russia.

"It is impossible for a product sold in the United Arab Emirates, the EU market, or China not to be sold in the Russian Federation," the Economy Minister noted, underscoring systemic trade hurdles that Armenian exporters continue to encounter within the single economic space.

By Tamilla Hasanova