Pashinyan warns trade restrictions could fuel anti-EAEU sentiment

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has said that the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) should open new opportunities for Armenia, so that positive attitudes toward the union grow within the country.

Pashinyan was asked by Russian media outlet Izvestia about the possibility of having to choose between EU integration and remaining a member of the EAEU, as well as the recent declaration by other EAEU leaders calling on Armenia to hold a referendum on the matter.

The Prime Minister noted that a referendum on Armenia’s accession to the European Union could be held only if Armenia formally applies to the EU or comes very close to obtaining candidate status.

“As long as Armenia has not officially applied to the European Union for full membership, there will be no referendum. As soon as that happens, the referendum will take place,” he said.

Referring to the statement adopted by the leaders of four EAEU member states, Pashinyan described it as a “very balanced text.”

“I have read it. It is a very balanced text. In fact, our partners from the four countries support the idea of holding a referendum in Armenia on Armenia’s decision,” the Prime Minister said.

When asked whether Armenia sees the advantages of the Eurasian Economic Union, Pashinyan responded that such advantages are obvious, but that the union should also create new opportunities.

“Of course, we understand that. But I believe that in this case the EAEU should show new opportunities, open new opportunities, so that the image of the EAEU in the Republic of Armenia grows rather than the opposite,” he noted.

Pashinyan warned that certain restrictions have the opposite effect and create a negative perception of the EAEU among Armenian citizens.

“If some restrictions are applied, this creates a negative perception of the EAEU among citizens of Armenia. This concerns me,” Pashinyan said.

“For me, it is also a responsibility that the EAEU has a positive image in the Republic of Armenia, but certain decisions do not contribute to that. However, I am confident that we will solve all the problems,” the Prime Minister emphasized.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan earlier responded to fellow EAEU leaders, saying there is no need at this point to hold a referendum on whether to exit the Eurasian bloc and pursue EU integration.

Armenia, a member of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), was notified by its union partners—Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan—that they would like to see a referendum in Armenia choosing between staying in the EAEU or withdrawing and moving toward the European Union. The developments come amid growing ties between Armenia and the EU, which Armenia says do not contradict its EAEU membership for now.

Russia has since expanded its ban on imports of Armenian products, extending restrictions to additional fruit varieties, citing alleged phytosanitary violations. Russia has previously banned imports of Jermuk mineral water from Armenia, as well as certain flowers and alcoholic beverages. In addition, imports of tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and strawberries from Armenia have been restricted. Most businesses engaged in fish farming have also been barred from exporting products to Russia.