Pashinyan: Relations between EAEU members and third partners should not be seen as zero-sum game

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan participated in the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council session in Kyrgyzstan, where he delivered remarks.

Representatives of Iran, Uzbekistan, and Cuba joined the meeting in addition to the prime ministers of the member states of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).

The Prime Minister's Office published the transcript of his remarks:

Dear Heads of Government,

Distinguished participants of the meeting,

First of all, allow me to sincerely thank the Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic, Adylbek Kasymaliev, for the traditionally warm hospitality and for the high-level organization of the meeting of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council.

I would also like to welcome the distinguished representatives of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Republic of Uzbekistan, and the Republic of Cuba.

For the Republic of Armenia, strengthening cooperation with the member states of the Eurasian Economic Union continues to be one of the priorities of our foreign policy and foreign economic policy.

This approach will also be reflected in the program of the new Government, the leadership of which has been entrusted to me.

At the same time, I would like to emphasize that Armenia consistently advocates adherence to the principles underlying the Eurasian Economic Union.

One of the fundamental principles of the Eurasian Economic Union is ensuring the free movement of goods, services, capital, and labor.

Unfortunately, in practice these principles are not being fully implemented.

Certain restrictions and administrative measures continue to impede the full functioning of the common market, reducing the predictability of the business environment and the effectiveness of integration processes.

The Republic of Armenia consistently ensures the most favorable, equal, and non-discriminatory conditions possible for the activities of economic operators from all EAEU member states. We consistently proceed from the principle that the same approach should be applied throughout the entire territory of the Eurasian Economic Union.

For precisely this reason, we consider it fundamentally important that any measure capable of affecting the access of the goods and services of member states to the common market be adopted exclusively in accordance with EAEU law, on the basis of agreed procedures, and within the framework of constructive cooperation among the competent authorities.

Ignoring such issues may not only hinder the further development of the Eurasian Economic Union but may also negatively affect the attitude of our countries' citizens and the business community toward it.

Ultimately, such issues cease to be the problems of an individual member state. They become the common problem of the Union as a whole.

For precisely this reason, we need to eliminate emerging obstacles in a timely manner, prevent the deterioration of trade and economic relations within the EAEU, minimize business risks related to reputation, and consistently strengthen mutual trust.

It must also be acknowledged that, in a number of areas, the strategic objectives set by the EAEU have not yet been fully achieved. This means that today we need to focus not only on discussing new initiatives but also on the practical implementation of decisions already adopted, accelerating coordination procedures, and improving the effectiveness of the EAEU institutions.

Dear colleagues,

I would also like to address the objective economic indicators, which convincingly demonstrate that the Republic of Armenia's participation in the Eurasian Economic Union is based on the fulfillment of mutual obligations rather than on obtaining unilateral advantages.

In 2025, Armenia transferred approximately USD 319 million to the common budget of EAEU import customs duties, while the amount allocated in Armenia's favor totaled approximately USD 175 million.

Thus, Armenia contributed significantly more resources to the Union's common budget than it received, which is direct confirmation of our responsible position and the conscientious fulfillment of our obligations within the framework of the EAEU.

The dynamics of mutual trade are no less telling.

According to the results of 2025, imports from the EAEU member states amounted to approximately USD 5 billion, while exports of Armenian products to the Union's market during the same period amounted to approximately USD 3.2 billion.

These figures show that the Republic of Armenia is not only a participant in the EAEU common market but also an important consumer of the goods produced and services provided in the Union's member states.

Dear colleagues,

The Republic of Armenia has taken note of the statement of the leaders of the four EAEU member states of May 29, 2026, which expressed support for the idea of holding a referendum in Armenia on accession to the European Union.

As you know, in 2025 Armenia adopted the Law "On Launching the Process of the Republic of Armenia's Accession to the European Union." The strategic objective of adopting such a law is to create an alternative for our country.

We understand that simultaneous membership in the Eurasian Economic Union and the European Union is impossible.

However, the very fact of adopting the above-mentioned law does not in itself mean that Armenia has the opportunity to become an EU member today. Even when Armenia is qualitatively ready for EU accession in the future, this likewise will not mean that our country will automatically become a member of the EU. This will still require the agreement of the EU member states and the approval of the citizens of Armenia.

On the other hand, it is obvious that it is impossible to submit this issue to the decision of the citizens of Armenia without first carrying out institutional preparatory work. And even after that, it will be necessary to submit an official application to the EU for accession to the European Union.

After that, it will also be necessary to obtain the status of a candidate country for accession to the EU.

Without passing through at least the greater part of the stages listed above, holding a referendum on this issue would be devoid of substance and would mean that we expect our citizens to answer a question that simply does not exist at this stage.

This would mean that we expect the citizens of Armenia to make a choice between two alternatives, one of which does not exist.

This would be disrespectful toward our people and, in practical terms, illegitimate. I thank my colleagues in the EAEU for recognizing the legitimate right of Armenia, as well as of any other EAEU country, to develop relations with different partners and to create alternative trade and economic opportunities for its own country.

Moreover, I consider such an approach beneficial for the EAEU, because the existence of possible alternatives is a factor that will contribute to enhancing the competitiveness and attractiveness of the EAEU.

And I believe that no one will deny that in this respect we have work to do within the EAEU. We are ready and propose to work in that direction.

On the other hand, I should note that in the current relations between Armenia and the European Union there are no legal, economic, or political obligations that contradict the status of our relations within and in the framework of the EAEU.

Dear colleagues,

The Republic of Armenia proceeds from the principle that the Eurasian Economic Union should not be viewed as a space of restrictions. We are convinced that cooperation between the EAEU member states and third partners should not be perceived as a zero-sum game.

The Republic of Armenia consistently advocates preserving the fundamental principles of the Treaty on the Eurasian Economic Union, the equality of the member states, and the further development of practical, mutually beneficial cooperation.

The EAEU will be more attractive the more consistently we uphold our own agreements and respect each other's sovereign rights.

It is precisely in this that we see the foundation of trust, stability, and long-term success.

Thank you for your attention," he said.

During the session, protocols on the discussed and adopted issues were signed. They concern cooperation and regulations in the areas of transport, e-commerce, and education.