The presidents of the Moscow-backed Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) members Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan have adopted the following joint statement regarding Armenia’s bid to join the European Union.  

We, the presidents of the Republic of Belarus, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, and the Russian Federation,

Taking into account the steps taken by the Republic of Armenia towards accession to the European Union, including the adoption by the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia in 2025 of the Law “On the Launch of the Process of the Republic of Armenia’s Accession to the European Union” and its signing by the President of the Republic of Armenia, as well as the reaffirmation by the European Union of the European aspirations of the Government of the Republic of Armenia, expressed in the Joint Declaration adopted after the first Armenia-European Union Summit held on May 5, 2026,

Considering the significant risks for the economic security of the Member States of the Eurasian Economic Union arising from the preparatory process of the Republic of Armenia’s accession to the European Union, as well as the need to prevent possible damage to the Member States of the Union because of this process,

Have decided that the members of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council, representing the Republic of Belarus, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic and the Russian Federation, at the meeting to be held in December 2026, at the next session of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council, will present a report on the possible consequences for the Republic of Armenia of the suspension of the Treaty on the Eurasian Economic Union.

At the same time, we share the position that it is necessary to hold a nationwide referendum in the Republic of Armenia as soon as possible on joining the European Union or remaining part of the Eurasian Economic Union.”

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has repeatedly stated that Yerevan, as long as possible, will continue to cooperate simultaneously with both the West and the Eurasian Economic Union. Pashinyan says that as soon as Yerevan is deprived of such an opportunity, the people of Armenia will make their choice.

Against this backdrop, ties between Moscow and Yerevan have deteriorated sharply. Russia says Pashinyan is steering Armenia toward the West and, in response to Yerevan’s closer relations with the European Union, has begun restricting imports of Armenian goods.

Photo: RIA Novosti