Armenia's European integration could lead to the total impoverishment of the Armenian population, Maria Zakharova, the official spokesperson of the Russian Foreign Ministry, said during a recent briefing, according to Report.
"Armenian products will face higher tariffs, leading to a sharp decline in GDP growth rates. I believe this is the main issue because it will not just impact current profits and revenues but will be a blow to development. Considering the scale of production and the population of Armenia, this could simply lead to widespread poverty," the diplomat stated.
Zakharova also predicted an 80% drop in Armenian exports.
Moreover, she believes that it is impossible for Yerevan to replace its trade turnover with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) states with alternative sources, even in the medium term.
"Some experts in Armenia claim that the West, particularly the European Union, is allegedly ready to pay for everything. Listen, give me an example of when they paid for everything. But we know and see examples of how they can take everything," she added.
On January 9, 2025, the Armenian government approved a draft decision to initiate the process of joining the EU. The relevant documents are currently under discussion in the parliament. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan noted that this would not mean Armenia's automatic accession to the community, as this issue requires a referendum.