Russian Deputy PM: Armenia must choose between EU and EAEU

Armenia's accession to the European Union is incompatible with the country's membership in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk told journalists, Report informs via Russian media.

"The EAEU and EU are incompatible. Both unions assume the absence of customs borders and freedom of movement for goods, services, capital, and labor," he said.

According to him, it's impossible to imagine these two unions converging at any point. "Therefore, the draft law 'On Launching the Process of Joining the European Union' being considered in Armenia puts this country before a choice," Overchuk added.

The Deputy Prime Minister noted that if relations with the EAEU are curtailed in Armenia, "on one hand, energy and food prices will rise, and on the other hand, Armenian exports will decrease by 70-80%."

"Thus, ordinary people will lose income, jobs, and will pay more for basic necessities. In return, they will likely get visa-free travel, and Armenia will get depopulation. It's becoming increasingly evident that EAEU membership is a privilege," Overchuk noted, comparing EU accession to buying a ticket for the Titanic.

On January 9, the Armenian government approved a draft law on the republic's possible accession to the European Union. The adoption of the law will start this process. The actual decision to join the EU must be made through a nationwide referendum, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated at a government meeting.