Moscow urges Yerevan to choose between EAEU and EU

 Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk said Armenia should decide as soon as possible on its foreign economic course amid a debate over ties with the Eurasian Economic Union and the European Union.

Overchuk told TASS that some political forces in Armenia support continued integration with the EAEU, while others favour closer ties with the EU. He said Moscow wants Armenia to remain in the Eurasian bloc.

He said uncertainty in Yerevan was creating risks for business and investment, as companies were adopting a wait-and-see approach.

Overchuk said Armenia’s economy had grown significantly during its years in the EAEU, benefiting from the bloc’s preferences.

He also pointed to a gradual normalisation of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, including exchanges of delegations, trade development and partial unblocking of regional transport links.

Overchuk warned that closer ties with the EU could have consequences, saying the bloc was increasingly acquiring a military-political dimension in the current geopolitical environment.