403
Sorry!!
Error! We're sorry, but the page you were looking for doesn't exist.
Putin Tells Armenia to Decide 'Sooner' on EU Bid
(MENAFN) Russian President Vladimir Putin pressed Armenia on Tuesday to move faster on its European Union ambitions, saying Moscow needs clarity on where bilateral relations — particularly economic ties — are headed.
The remarks came as Putin met Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in Bishkek on the margins of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit. Putin described Russia as Armenia's leading trade and economic partner, noting that bilateral trade hit $2.5 billion in 2026.
He also pointed to sharp economic gains tied to the Eurasian Economic Union, saying Armenia's GDP has tripled since joining and that its exports to the bloc have grown tenfold.
While acknowledging Armenia's right to pursue EU membership, Putin cautioned that doing so could create serious complications — including for its standing in the Eurasian Economic Union. He said Moscow has consistently backed friendly, mutually beneficial ties with Yerevan, pointing to joint projects underway in nuclear energy, transport and the digital economy.
For his part, Pashinyan said Armenia remains committed to deepening its relationship with Russia. He defended last year's Armenian law launching the EU accession process, insisting it did not breach any obligations to Russia or the Eurasian Economic Union, and stressed that Yerevan has not informed its bloc partners of any intention to withdraw.
Pashinyan characterized the law as a way to give Armenia and its citizens options — not a signal of hostility toward Russia or the bloc.
Putin pushed back on that framing, arguing that passing the law effectively amounts to a declaration of intent to exit the Eurasian Economic Union, since membership in both the EU and the Russia-led bloc cannot coexist.
The exchange underscores a persistent balancing act for Armenia, which has pursued closer EU ties while remaining inside the Eurasian Economic Union. Moscow has repeatedly warned that the two memberships are ultimately incompatible and that pursuing EU integration risks costing Armenia the economic preferences tied to its bloc membership.
The remarks came as Putin met Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in Bishkek on the margins of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit. Putin described Russia as Armenia's leading trade and economic partner, noting that bilateral trade hit $2.5 billion in 2026.
He also pointed to sharp economic gains tied to the Eurasian Economic Union, saying Armenia's GDP has tripled since joining and that its exports to the bloc have grown tenfold.
While acknowledging Armenia's right to pursue EU membership, Putin cautioned that doing so could create serious complications — including for its standing in the Eurasian Economic Union. He said Moscow has consistently backed friendly, mutually beneficial ties with Yerevan, pointing to joint projects underway in nuclear energy, transport and the digital economy.
For his part, Pashinyan said Armenia remains committed to deepening its relationship with Russia. He defended last year's Armenian law launching the EU accession process, insisting it did not breach any obligations to Russia or the Eurasian Economic Union, and stressed that Yerevan has not informed its bloc partners of any intention to withdraw.
Pashinyan characterized the law as a way to give Armenia and its citizens options — not a signal of hostility toward Russia or the bloc.
Putin pushed back on that framing, arguing that passing the law effectively amounts to a declaration of intent to exit the Eurasian Economic Union, since membership in both the EU and the Russia-led bloc cannot coexist.
The exchange underscores a persistent balancing act for Armenia, which has pursued closer EU ties while remaining inside the Eurasian Economic Union. Moscow has repeatedly warned that the two memberships are ultimately incompatible and that pursuing EU integration risks costing Armenia the economic preferences tied to its bloc membership.
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the
information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any
responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos,
licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information
contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues
related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
Comments
No comment