“The problem is not in Armenia, but in the EAEU, because in reality it turns out that the Eurasian Economic Union is paralyzed and not functioning. If this issue is not resolved in the near future, I predict that this will be the beginning of the end for the EAEU,” noted N. Pashinyan, as quoted by “Armenpress”.
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“The era when the country had no choice is over”
He reported that on July 27, during a phone conversation, he made it clear to Russian President Vladimir Putin that he would continue the course of seeking other partners.
“Armenia has the legitimate right to form alternatives… We have paved this path and we will follow it,” assured N. Pashinyan, emphasizing that the era when the country had no choice “is over”.
The Prime Minister of Armenia also called the restrictions on the supply of Armenian goods to Russia illegal and urged V. Putin to “take measures”.
What Putin demanded
In turn, V. Putin again insisted on holding a referendum in Armenia on joining the European Union or continuing membership in the EAEU. N. Pashinyan said that this issue will become relevant only after Armenia officially submits an application for EU membership, writes “The Moscow Times”.
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Russia has consistently started banning imports from Armenia since the end of May. Over the past two months, supplies of flowers, fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplants, potatoes, greens, strawberries, cherries, grapes, pears, quinces, dried fruits, live fish, dairy products, mineral water, and alcohol have been restricted. The ban also covered the transit of all these goods through Russian territory to EAEU countries.
The first restrictions appeared before the parliamentary elections in Armenia, which took place on June 7. After N. Pashinyan’s party victory, their number increased sharply. The country’s prime minister called the ban on importing Armenian products into Russia politicized. Later, Yerevan redirected some goods to other markets, including Europe.
At the same time, the EU allocated 52 million euros to Armenia for emergency aid to “strengthen economic resilience” and reorient exports. In addition, the bloc intends to exempt almost 80% of Armenian goods from customs duties.
According to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Armenia will supply the EU with almost 99% of fresh agricultural products that were previously exported to Russia, as well as more than 90% of beverages and alcoholic products.
