Armenia must independently determine its own course in relations with the EU and the EAEU – expert
YEREVAN, April 22. /ARKA/. Armenia should independently chart its future direction in its relations with both the EU and the EAEU, and it is not for Russia to make this decision, stated Professor Vladimir Avatkov, who heads the Department of Middle and Post-Soviet East at the Institute of Scientific Information on Social Sciences of the Russian Academy of Sciences, during an interview with the ARKA news agency.
The Russian expert reminded that, as previously articulated by Moscow, the nation cannot be a member of both the EU and the EAEU at the same time. He pointed out that the crucial matter lies in the will of the Armenian populace and its leadership.
"Russia does not dictate Armenia's direction. We do not meddle in the affairs of other nations, but Armenia is the one that decides its own course. We have always operated under the premise that our relations are friendly and allied," Avatkov remarked.
He indicated that this is clear within the expert and political communities, as well as in various sectors, including trade and economic relations between the two nations and the significance of the EAEU for Armenian commerce.
The expert stressed that, despite the intricate turbulence and numerous political maneuvers, there exists a robust economic and human foundation that, in his view, cannot be undermined by political games.
"In the long run, the pivotal decision will need to be made by Armenia's leadership and its people, not by Russia. Russia has made its choice and is fostering close relationships within the EAEU," Avatkov stated.
On March 26, 2025, the Armenian parliament approved a law on the country's accession to the European Union. The president signed the document on April 4.
On December 2, in Brussels, the parties approved the strategic agenda for the Armenia-EU partnership. Yerevan stated that this agenda focuses on supporting the country's sovereignty, territorial integrity, democratic reforms, and economic sustainability.
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan emphasized that Armenia is moving toward EU standards, but for now maintains membership in the EAEU. According to him, if combining both directions becomes impossible, the next choice will be made together with the country's citizens.-0-
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