Volodin: Armenia is cynically using the opportunities of the EAEU - VIDEO
Armenia's policy, which declares an intention to join the European Union while at the same time using the opportunities of the EAEU, is cynical, State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin said.
"We would like Armenia not to pursue a deceitful policy, because if Armenia adopts a law on its intentions to join the European Union, then why are you using the opportunities of the EAEU? Why are you deceiving its participants? This is cynical, this is wrong. Come out and say: are you going to the European Union? Go ahead. But then there is no need to receive preferences here," Volodin said in an interview with "Vesti," the video was posted on his channel on "Max."
The parliament of Armenia, which is a member of the EAEU, adopted a law in March 2025 on the start of the process of the country's accession to the European Union. In April of the same year, it was approved by the president of the republic, Vahagn Khachaturyan.
On May 9, Russian President Vladimir Putin said at a press conference that Yerevan should decide as soon as possible on the question of participation in the EU or the EAEU, allowing for the possibility of an "intelligent divorce." According to him, a referendum could be held on this issue.
In turn, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan told journalists on May 11 that Armenia remains a full member of the EAEU, and that holding a referendum is possible only if an "objective necessity" arises.
After that, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk said that some work is under way in Armenia on the transition to EU standards, and if the country begins to amend technical regulations, then "this will already create certain threats for the EAEU."
At the EAEU summit held in Astana on May 29, 2026, the leaders of the member states of this union issued a joint statement, which, in particular, spoke of the need to hold a referendum in Armenia as soon as possible on joining the EU or remaining in the EAEU. Russian President Vladimir Putin said following the EAEU summit in Astana that Armenia could lose 14% of its GDP if it withdraws from the EAEU.
