MP: no discussion on leaving EAEU

PanARMENIAN.Net - Deputy Chairman of the National Assembly's Economic Affairs Committee, Babken Tunyan, stated that there is currently no discussion about Armenia leaving the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and taking concrete steps toward the European Union, CivilNet reports.

"Unfortunately, there is a misconception in our society that European integration is a process that takes a month or a year," Tunyan noted.

He emphasized that even if a decision were made tomorrow to begin the EU accession process, it could take more than ten years.

Regarding the draft law on EU membership being circulated in Parliament, Tunyan said it still needs to go through multiple stages.

"The initiative came to Parliament through signatures and must be discussed in the National Assembly. If a decision is made, there must be a referendum where people express their opinion," he stated.

Babken Tunyan characterized Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk’s statements as "preventive warning measures." According to him, if a country joins any union, it should always serve its interests.

Addressing the potential increase in gas prices, Tunyan noted that if Russia decided, for example, to triple the price of gas, this would mean "an increase in gas tariffs for citizens, a rise in the cost of gas-dependent products, and a decrease in competitiveness."

He dismissed discussions about Armenia leaving the EAEU.

"We receive significant benefits from the EAEU. Moreover, we are currently aligning our procedures and regulations with EAEU standards in various laws," he said.

"Before discussing EU membership, we must first understand whether we are prepared to operate according to European standards. Wanting something is one thing, but whether the EU considers us developed enough to join is another," he added.

He stressed the need to raise the economy to a qualitatively new level, including product and service quality, standards, and regulatory oversight.

Tunyan suggested that clearer positions on European integration could emerge during the parliamentary elections expected in June 2026.

On January 9, the Armenian government approved a proposal to initiate the EU accession process, submitted by the "Eurovote" civic initiative. The proposal is set to be discussed in Parliament soon.

Russia, Armenia’s largest trading partner, reacted strongly to the initiative, warning of economic consequences. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk cautioned about potential increases in energy and food prices, as well as a 70-80% reduction in Armenia’s exports.