World · Europe · 3 hrs ago
Armenia says its response to EAEU report will prioritize sovereignty
Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan said Armenia will respond based on its sovereignty and independence after reviewing a report on possible suspension of its membership in the Eurasian Economic Union, or EAEU.
The report was presented by representatives of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, the union’s other members.
It examines possible effects of suspending Armenia’s EAEU membership, including risks to trade and customs arrangements.
The report says Armenia’s efforts to align with European Union rules could conflict with its EAEU obligations.
It estimates suspension could reduce Armenia’s gross domestic product by 15.6% and raise inflation by 14.9 percentage points.
Mirzoyan said Armenia is not aware of a legal mechanism for removing a country from the EAEU and that it is still analyzing the document.
The report will go to EAEU leaders for consideration, with their next meeting due in December 2026.
Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan said Armenia will respond to an EAEU report based on the country’s sovereignty and independence.
The report assesses possible consequences of suspending Armenia’s participation in the Eurasian Economic Union.
Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan presented the report on October 20.
The report says Armenia’s steps toward joining the European Union raise questions about its continued presence in the EAEU.
It estimates that suspension could reduce Armenia’s GDP by 15.6% and increase inflation by 14.9 percentage points.
- Who
- Armenia, represented by Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, and the four EAEU members that presented the report: Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.
- What
- Armenia said its response to a report on possible suspension of its EAEU participation would prioritize sovereignty and independence.
- When
- October 21, 2026. The report was presented on October 20.
- Where
- Not stated.
- Why
- The report considers possible consequences linked to Armenia’s steps toward joining the European Union.
Armenia
Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan
EAEU membership
Armenia
Mirzoyan said Armenia’s position will be guided by sovereignty and independence, and said he does not know of a legal mechanism to remove a country from EAEU membership.
Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan
The report says the four countries have the right to consider suspending Armenia’s participation until a referendum on remaining in the EAEU or joining the EU.
EU integration
Armenia
Armenia is discussing integration with the EU, according to the report.
Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan
The report says fulfilling EU entry requirements would violate Armenia’s EAEU obligations and that EU customs standards could jeopardize the EAEU customs space.
The presidents of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan issued a joint statement that the Russian government said the report was prepared to implement.
Members of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council from Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan presented the report.
Mirzoyan said Armenia would form its position on the report based on sovereignty and independence.
The next meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council is scheduled to take place.
- Report presenters
- Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan
- GDP impact estimate
- 15.6% decline
- Inflation estimate
- Increase of 14.9 percentage points
- Natural gas price estimate
- 69% rise, from $177.5 to $300 per 1,000 cubic meters
- Total trade estimate
- Armenia-EAEU trade turnover could fall by 55.6%
3 sources
What people are saying
But we are unaware of a legal mechanism by which any EAEU country can be deprived of membership.
Traditional ties of Armenia with Russia and other EAEU members are important, but Armenia’s sovereignty and independence are supremely important.