Russian deputy PM signals conflict between Armenia’s EU move, EAEU rules

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk has said that Russia is preparing a formal letter to Armenia expressing concerns that Armenia’s efforts to align its regulations with the EU contradict the rules of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).

“I am about to sign a letter addressed to my colleague Mher Grigoryan [Armenian deputy prime minister], stating our position that these actions — the regulations aimed at EU alignment — conflict with the norms of the Eurasian Economic Union,” Overchuk said, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media. 

The deputy prime minister also warned that Russia would consider taking appropriate measures in response to these developments.

“We are closely monitoring the ongoing processes as Armenia moves closer to the EU. We have noted that Armenia’s regulatory framework is introducing new legal acts that simplify certain certification procedures,” stated Overchuk.

Overchuk recalled that the Armenian parliament passed a law declaring Armenia’s aspiration to join the European Union.

“We are closely monitoring developments in Armenia on this front. Of course, we will always respect the choice of the Armenian people, but at the same time, we understand — and this has already been confirmed by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan — that it is impossible for Armenia to be a member of both the Eurasian Economic Union and the European Union simultaneously,” he added.

By Naila Huseynova