EAEU economic preferences have strengthened Armenia: Alexey Overchuk

Alexey Overchuk, deputy prime minister of Russia, stated that Armenia faces a difficult choice between the Eurasian Economic Union and the European Union. According to him, the issue intertwines economic and political aspects and is directly linked to the country’s election campaign.

Overchuk stressed that Russia would like to see Armenia remain in the EAEU and has no interest in seeing it lose its current economic advantages. He noted that over the years of participation in the union, Armenia has significantly strengthened its economy, raised living standards and GDP, and that these results have been largely secured by EAEU preferences.

The deputy prime minister drew attention to the fact that there are forces in Armenia advocating closer ties with the EU, and that a law reflecting the aspiration for integration has already been passed. However, according to him, the EU is transforming from an economic union into a military-political bloc directed against Russia, and Armenian society should take into account the consequences of such a choice. He also noted that the uncertainty is preventing businesses from making long-term plans, and called on Armenia to make its position clear sooner.

It should be noted that the question of Armenia’s status in the EAEU will be discussed on May 29 at the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council session in Astana.