The leaders of four EAEU member states—Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia—issued a joint statement calling on Armenia to hold a nationwide referendum as soon as possible on whether to join the European Union or remain in the Eurasian Economic Union.

The statement also noted that a report on the potential consequences of suspending the EAEU treaty with Armenia would be presented at the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council meeting in December 2026. This decision was made considering the significant risks to the economic security of EAEU members due to Armenia's preparations for EU membership.

Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that Armenia's withdrawal from the EAEU would lead to serious economic consequences, including higher energy prices and changes in labor conditions for Armenian citizens in Russia. He stated that free trade agreements would be terminated, full customs controls and duties would be restored, and recognition of technical regulations and phytosanitary norms would be halted.

Putin also highlighted potential changes for labor migrants from Armenia, who would need to obtain work patents and would only gain access to compulsory health insurance after five years of residence. According to preliminary estimates, this could result in a loss of at least 14% of Armenia's GDP.

Earlier, the Russian side warned that if Yerevan continues the EU accession process, it may suspend or cancel the agreement on cooperation in natural gas and oil product supplies. On May 28, Russia also restricted imports of agricultural products, flowers, and alcohol from Armenia.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan previously stated that Yerevan does not plan to raise the issue of EAEU membership unless necessary. He emphasized that Armenia is a full member of the EAEU and will fully participate in all decision-making processes.

In March 2025, the Armenian parliament passed a law to begin the process of joining the European Union. In early May, the first Armenia-EU summit was held in Yerevan. Pashinyan said Armenia would be happy to join the EU, but in any case, the country would become compliant with European standards.

Source: www.gazeta.uz