The cooperation of the EAEU member states with third partners should not be perceived as a zero-sum game, said the Prime Minister.
07-08-2026 11:52 Armenia Press release
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Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan participated in the expanded session of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council in Cholpon-Ata city. In addition to the prime ministers of the member states of the Eurasian Economic Union, representatives from Iran, Uzbekistan, and Cuba also participated in the meeting.
Before the meeting, a joint photo session of the prime ministers took place.
Prime Minister Pashinyan delivered a speech in which he particularly noted:
«Honorable heads of governments,
Esteemed participants of the meeting,
First of all, allow me to express my sincere gratitude to the Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic, Adilbek Kasimaliyev, for the traditional warm welcome and the high level of organization of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council meeting.
I would like to welcome the honorable representatives of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Republic of Uzbekistan, and the Republic of Cuba.
For the Republic of Armenia, strengthening cooperation with the member states of the Eurasian Economic Union remains one of the priorities of our foreign policy and foreign economic policy.
This approach will also be reflected in the new Government program, which I have been entrusted to lead.
At the same time, I would like to emphasize that Armenia consistently advocates for adherence to the principles underlying the Eurasian Economic Union.
One of the fundamental principles of the Eurasian Economic Union is the provision of free movement of goods, services, capital, and labor.
Unfortunately, in practice, these principles are not fully realized.
Specific restrictions and administrative measures continue to hinder the full functioning of the common market, reducing the predictability of business conditions and the effectiveness of integration processes.
The Republic of Armenia consistently ensures the most favorable, equal, and non-discriminatory conditions for the activities of economic operators from all EAEU member states. We consistently adhere to the principle that a similar approach should be applied throughout the entire territory of the Eurasian Economic Union.
That is why we consider it fundamentally important that any measures that may affect the entry of goods and services from member states into the common market be adopted exclusively in accordance with EAEU law, based on agreed procedures and within the framework of constructive cooperation between competent authorities.
Ignoring such issues can not only hinder the further development of the Eurasian Economic Union but also negatively affect the attitude of our countries' citizens and the business community towards it.
Ultimately, such issues cease to be the problems of individual member states. They become the common problem of the entire union.
That is why we need to timely eliminate emerging obstacles, prevent the decline of trade and economic relations within the EAEU, minimize business risks related to reputation, and consistently strengthen mutual trust.
It should also be acknowledged that in several areas, the strategic objectives set by the EAEU have not yet been fully realized. This means that today we need to focus not only on discussing new initiatives but also on the practical implementation of already adopted decisions, accelerating the coordination procedures, and enhancing the effectiveness of EAEU institutions.
Dear colleagues,
I would also like to address the objective economic indicators that convincingly demonstrate that the Republic of Armenia's participation in the Eurasian Economic Union is based on the fulfillment of mutual obligations rather than on receiving unilateral advantages.
In 2025, Armenia transferred about 319 million US dollars to the EAEU's import customs duties budget, while the volume of funds allocated for Armenia amounted to about 175 million US dollars.
Thus, Armenia has transferred significantly more funds to the Union's general budget than it has received, which is a direct confirmation of our responsible position and conscientious fulfillment of obligations within the EAEU framework.
The dynamics of mutual trade is no less telling.
According to the results of 2025, imports from EAEU member states amounted to about 5 billion US dollars, while during the same period, exports of Armenian products to the Union's market amounted to about 3.2 billion US dollars.
These figures show that the Republic of Armenia is not only a participant in the EAEU's common market but also an important consumer of goods produced and services provided in the member states of the Union.
Dear colleagues,
The Republic of Armenia has taken note of the statement made by the leaders of the four EAEU member states on May 29, 2026, which expressed support for the idea of holding a referendum in Armenia on the issue of joining the European Union.
As you know, in 2025, the law on «The Start of the Process for the Republic of Armenia's Accession to the European Union» was adopted in Armenia. The strategic goal of adopting such a law is to create an alternative for our country.
We understand that simultaneous membership in both the Eurasian Economic Union and the European Union is impossible.
However, the mere fact of adopting the mentioned law does not mean that Armenia has the opportunity to become an EU member today. When Armenia is qualitatively ready for EU membership in the future, it will also not mean that our country will automatically become an EU member. For that, the consent of EU member states and the approval of the Armenian citizens will still be necessary.
On the other hand, it is clear that it is impossible to present this issue to the decision of the Armenian citizens without first carrying out preliminary institutional preparatory work. And even after that, it will be necessary to apply to the EU with an official application for EU membership.
After that, it will also be necessary to obtain the status of a candidate country for EU membership.
Without passing through at least the majority of the listed stages, holding a referendum on the mentioned issue will be contentless and will mean that we expect our citizens to respond to a question that simply does not exist at this moment.
This would mean that we expect the citizens of Armenia to choose between two alternatives, one of which does not exist.
This would be disrespectful to our people and practically illegitimate. I thank my EAEU colleagues for recognizing the legitimate right of Armenia, as well as any other EAEU country, to develop relations with various partners and create alternative trade and economic options for their own country.
Furthermore, I consider such an approach beneficial for the EAEU, as the existence of possible alternatives is a factor that will contribute to increasing the competitiveness and attractiveness of the EAEU.
And I believe that no one will deny that in this regard we have work to do within the EAEU. We are ready and propose to work in that direction.
On the other hand, I must note that there is no legal, economic, or political obligation in the current relations between Armenia and the European Union that contradicts the status of our relations within the EAEU and its framework.
Dear colleagues,
The Republic of Armenia proceeds from the principle that the Eurasian Economic Union should not be viewed as a territory of restrictions. We are convinced that the cooperation of EAEU member states with third partners should not be perceived as a zero-sum game.
The Republic of Armenia consistently advocates for the preservation of the fundamental principles of the treaty on the Eurasian Economic Union, the equality of member states, and the further development of practical, mutually beneficial cooperation.
The EAEU will be more attractive the more consistently we uphold our own agreements and respect each other's sovereign rights.
This is where we see the foundation of trust, stability, and long-term success.
Thank you for your attention».
During the meeting, the minutes of the discussed and adopted issues were signed. They relate to cooperation and regulations in the fields of transport, electronic commerce, and education.
* This text was automatically translated by Artificial Intelligence (AI).
