Overchuk: Those claiming that the EU and the EAEU are compatible, mislead the Armenian people

Yerevan knows that Armenia’s accession to the European Union will lead to its exit from the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and the closure of the EAEU market for the country, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk told reporters.

“The solution here is quite obvious. Opening markets with the European Union will mean closing markets with the Eurasian Economic Union. Otherwise, our producers will suffer in the Eurasian Economic Union; this is evident,” the Russian deputy prime minister noted. He elaborated that for Armenia, “bringing to zero import customs duties with the EU will automatically mean a return to customs and tariff rates with the EAEU.”

“For us, of course, this is a signal that the beginning of EU membership is the beginning of exiting the EAEU,” Overchuk stated. He is sure that “this is absolutely clear to anyone who is even slightly familiar with the structures of these two integration associations.” According to him, the Armenian side is fully aware of the consequences, and no one should have illusions.

Overchuk pointed out that “those who are currently asserting during discussions in Armenia that some solution can be found are, to put it mildly, misleading the Armenian people.” The Russian prime minister noted that the process of Armenia’s accession to the EU will be lengthy and called for awaiting the results of hearings on this matter in the Armenian parliament.

He added that the issue of Armenia’s desire to integrate into the EU will not be discussed at the upcoming Eurasian Intergovernmental Council meeting in Kazakhstan.