According to Armenian news agency reports on July 29, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that the issue of Armenia facing export restrictions is not only a problem for Armenia itself, but also a problem faced by the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). He warned that if this issue cannot be resolved quickly, it could mean the 'start of the end' for the union.
Pashinyan said after the meeting of the ruling party, the Civil Contract Party: "Now we all agree that this is no longer an issue of Armenia. The problem lies not with Armenia. It is a problem of the Eurasian Economic Union, because what is actually happening is that the Eurasian Economic Union has become paralyzed and cannot function properly. If this problem is not resolved quickly, let me predict that this will mark the beginning of the end of the Eurasian Economic Union."
On July 27th, he just had a phone call with Russian President Putin. Pashinyan said at that time that the import restrictions imposed by Russia on products originating from Armenia violated the legal and treaty frameworks that regulate relations between Russia and Armenia, and also did not conform to the provisions of the Eurasian Economic Union.
He emphasized again on the 29th: 'The most important thing is that the Republic of Armenia has the legal right to develop its own alternatives. I have informed the President of Russia about this decision, and we will continue to proceed along this path, especially after the people of the Republic of Armenia have expressed their support through voting.'
He said, “As I said during the campaign, I can’t imagine that our policies would end up putting the Republic of Armenia in a situation where it has no other options. Armenia must always have alternative options on all issues; the era of having no choices has come to an end. The question now is when these alternatives should be implemented.”
When discussing whether a referendum should be held on whether to join the EU or remain in the Eurasian Economic Union, Pashinyan stated that before such a referendum can be held, Armenia needs to formally apply to join the EU.
The member states of the Eurasian Economic Union include Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, and Armenia. In April 2025, Armenian President Khachatryan signed a bill regarding the country's accession process to the EU. Pashynyan has stated that while promoting the EU accession process, Armenia will continue to remain part of the Eurasian Economic Union. If there is a choice to make between the EU and the Eurasian Economic Union, he would let the Armenian people decide.
Russian President Putin stated in May this year that Armenia needs to hold a referendum as soon as possible regarding whether to join the EU or remain in the Eurasian Economic Union. The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on its official website on May 30 that it had recalled its ambassador to Armenia and is conducting consultations regarding Armenia's move towards the EU. The Russian side believes that this move by Armenia "is damaging the cooperation within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union."
Meanwhile, Russian quarantine authorities have imposed import bans on certain goods from Armenia since the end of May. The restricted goods include fresh flowers, tomatoes, cucumbers, strawberries, cherries, apples, and alcohol.
On July 24th, Russia once again banned the import of Armenian dairy products. The Russian side stated that these measures are temporary and related to quarantine standards.
