Pashinyan: Development of EAEU integration must combine supranational mechanisms and sovereign decisions

YEREVAN, December 22. /ARКА/. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan participated in a regular meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council in St. Petersburg on Sunday.

Russian President Vladimir Putin met with the heads of state of the EAEU. The meeting was held first in a narrow format, and then in an expanded format.

In his speech, Pashinyan summarized the implementation of the Strategic Directions for the Development of Eurasian Economic Integration until 2025, within which significant practical experience of cooperation has been accumulated, according to the press service of the Armenian government.

Integration Benchmarks

"Today, we are setting benchmarks for the further development of Eurasian economic integration, building on the results achieved," Pashinyan said. He emphasized that at this stage, it is crucial to ensure a clear delineation between the spheres of application of supranational mechanisms and the spheres in which national competencies and sovereign decisions retain priority, thereby ensuring the sustainability of integration processes.

EAEU International Cooperation

As the Armenian Prime Minister noted, the current year has been particularly significant for EAEU international cooperation. "Interaction with key partners—Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Mongolia, China, and India—is expanding, new markets are opening, which contributes to the diversification of exports and imports and strengthens the EAEU's position in the global economy," Pashinyan stated.

In this context, he welcomed the signing of the EAEU Free Trade Agreement with the Republic of Indonesia. The Prime Minister emphasized that the Republic of Armenia also attaches particular importance to developing a constructive dialogue with observer states that have demonstrated a strong interest in engaging with the EAEU.

Internal Market

According to him, ensuring the smooth functioning of the internal market is one of the priority tasks of integration. "This means consistently removing barriers, digitalizing and simplifying regulatory procedures, and creating a level playing field for all economic participants," Pashinyan stated.

He is convinced that the EAEU commissions, together with the governments of member states, must continue to address sensitive issues by developing mutually acceptable agreements.

Transport and Logistics

Pashinyan highlighted the prospects for developing transport and logistics cooperation based on the principles of reciprocity, equality, sovereignty, and national jurisdictions.

In this context, according to the Armenian Prime Minister, the ongoing favorable and constructive changes are creating new opportunities for all countries in the wider region, contributing to strengthening economic resilience and expanding regional communications.

Services and Economic Growth

Speaking about the growing importance of the services sector in the economies of the EAEU countries, Pashinyan noted that this sector accounts for a significant portion of GDP and employment. "The functioning of the single services market improves the quality and competitiveness of suppliers, simplifies procedures, and creates more favorable conditions for doing business," the Prime Minister noted.

He thinks that this area should be developed more dynamically, as it directly impacts the economic growth of the Union member states.

Digitalization

"Digitalization is no less significant. Today, sustainable development is impossible without the implementation of digital technologies, which form a solid foundation, including for e-commerce," the Prime Minister noted.

He emphasized that consensus was reached this year on key issues of e-commerce regulation. "The agreed decisions create the basis for a unified yet flexible approach, and a number of mechanisms are already being implemented, creating predictable conditions for market participants," Pashinyan stated. Product Traceability and Labeling

According to Pashinyan, the key practical focus of integration this year has been increasing the transparency and traceability of product movements. "The development of labeling systems, combined with the necessary digital integration of member states' fiscal systems, will contribute to the efficiency of tax administration and the reduction of shadow taxation," he said.

Pashinyan added that these measures are aimed at ensuring fair competition and protecting the EAEU's internal market while reducing the administrative burden on businesses.

"Tourism has a significant multiplier effect and contribution to the economies of the EAEU countries, and the Tourism Development Concept adopted today will give new impetus to increasing mutual tourist flow," stated the Prime Minister of Armenia.

Summarizing the above, Pashinyan reaffirmed the Republic of Armenia's readiness for mutually beneficial cooperation within the EAEU for the benefit of economic stability and sustainable development in the region.

During the meeting, issues related to the further development of cooperation within the EAEU were discussed. Specifically, the issues of establishing a common market for oil and petroleum products within the EAEU, the EAEU budget for the coming year, and cooperation with third countries were touched upon. The Tourism Development Concept was approved.--0-