Shoigu says Russia will not fund Armenia’s EU shift

PanARMENIAN.Net - Russia will not finance Armenia’s expanding relations with the European Union, Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu has stated.

“I want to say this directly: we will not finance either the expansion of ties between Armenia and the EU, the mitigation of the transition to European standards, or the recovery from the economic crisis that may follow,” he said, according to RBC.

Shoigu also commented on the Armenian economy’s dependence on the Russian market. According to him, a transition to European standards would not bring substantial benefits because the country lacks both the necessary certifications and new markets for its products.

In his view, Yerevan’s attempts to integrate with the European Union under the banner of economic diversification effectively mean leaving the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and severing ties with Russia.

Shoigu further stated that the European Union is not prepared to assume Armenia’s actual costs, for example, to “cover the difference in gas prices,” noting that 84 percent of Armenia’s gas imports come from Russia.

In addition, according to the figures he cited, Armenia is negotiating with Western partners regarding fuel supplies for the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant and is involving foreign contractors in work that has not been coordinated with Russia.

“In this way, one can not only lose guarantees but also bring matters to disaster,” he warned.

During the meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council held in Astana on May 29, the presidents of four EAEU member states — Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, and Kyrgyzstan — adopted a statement regarding Armenia’s situation. Armenia was urged to hold a referendum as soon as possible on choosing between the EAEU and the European Union.

In recent days, various Russian officials have also stated that if Armenia continues moving toward the European Union, it could lose access to preferential Russian gas supplies.

In addition, Russia has imposed restrictions on imports of Armenian products. Imports of Jermuk mineral water, flowers, and certain alcoholic beverages from Armenia have been banned. Restrictions have also been introduced on several agricultural products, including tomatoes, cucumbers, and strawberries. Since June 2, Russia has restricted imports of cherries, apricots, peaches, plums, grapes, and other stone fruits from Armenia, as well as their transit to other EAEU member states. Since June 3, Russia has also restricted imports of eggplants, potatoes, and dried fruits originating from and exported by Armenia.