Lavrov expresses confidence that Armenia will soon change its mind about joining the European Union

Sergey Lavrov, Russia’s foreign minister, expressed confidence that Armenia will soon lose its desire to join the European Union.

“Economically, the European Union, due to many factors, including its shortsightedness, not to say stupidity, is losing its advantages. Out of inertia, countries continue [to pursue membership], our Serbian friends, and now our Armenian colleagues are seeking to join the EU.

I am confident that this desire will disappear very soon,” Lavrov said on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum.

He noted that the European Union is today “squandering” all of its economic advantages.

On Tuesday, during talks with Nikol Pashinyan, Armenia’s prime minister, Russia’s president commented on Armenia’s intention to join the EU, noting that passing a law to begin the EU accession process amounts to a declaration of withdrawal from the EAEU.