The Moscow-led Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) has threatened to suspend Armenia's membership over its bid to join the European Union, according to a statement released Friday. The warning came during a summit of EAEU leaders in Astana, Kazakhstan, where Russian President Vladimir Putin and other heads of state expressed concerns about Armenia's pivot toward the West.
Background of the Dispute
Armenia, a member of the EAEU since 2015, has been in negotiations with the European Union over a potential association agreement. The move has angered Moscow, which views the EAEU as a counterweight to the EU and seeks to maintain influence over former Soviet republics.
In a joint statement, EAEU leaders said that Armenia's pursuit of EU membership violates the bloc's founding principles and could lead to its suspension. The statement did not specify a timeline but noted that the issue would be discussed further at the next EAEU summit.
Armenia's Response
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan defended his country's right to seek closer ties with the EU, stating that Armenia's sovereignty allows it to choose its own alliances. He emphasized that Armenia remains committed to the EAEU but will not abandon its EU aspirations.
The tension highlights the ongoing geopolitical struggle between Russia and the West over influence in the South Caucasus region. Armenia has historically been a Russian ally but has increasingly sought closer ties with the EU and NATO in recent years.
Implications for the Region
If Armenia is suspended from the EAEU, it could face economic repercussions, including tariffs on its exports to other member states. The EAEU includes Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Armenia, with a combined population of over 180 million people.
Analysts say that a suspension would further strain Armenia's economy, which is already struggling due to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and the COVID-19 pandemic. However, some experts believe that Armenia could benefit from EU trade agreements in the long run.
The situation remains fluid, with diplomatic efforts underway to find a compromise. The EAEU has not suspended any member before, and the move would set a precedent for the bloc's internal dynamics.
