On June 1, former President Robert Kocharyan declared that Armenia’s foreign policy attempt to retain membership in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) while pursuing European Union (EU) accession constitutes a “geopolitical twine.”
During his remarks, Kocharyan explained that Yerevan’s rhetoric focuses on Europe, yet economic and business activities remain tethered to Russia. “This is a political, geopolitical splits,” he stated.
He further criticized the current government for actively abandoning the economic model that enabled Armenia to flourish in favor of an unattainable dream of EU membership. “The current Armenian government is consciously abandoning the model in which Yerevan can economically ‘breathe and develop,’” Kocharyan said, describing EU aspirations as a “chimera” with no foundation.
On May 29, Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that adopting EU economic standards would necessitate halting Armenia’s integration processes within the EAEU. He added that withdrawal from the union would trigger losses of free trade access and require Armenian citizens to secure patents for employment in Russia.
Armenian Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan, speaking on May 31, emphasized it is premature for Yerevan to choose between the EAEU and EU until “the issue has become clear.” He noted Armenia would be prepared to conduct “stress tests” should such a decision arise.
