Armenia deputy PM: No plans to leave Eurasian Economic Union

Armenia currently has no plans to withdraw from the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU), according to Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan. He clarified that such a move would only be considered if the situation becomes "critical" and specific details emerge, but currently, Armenia is not contemplating leaving the bloc.

Grigoryan's remarks come amid reported pressure from Moscow on Yerevan. Russia has allegedly imposed sanctions on imports from Armenia and threatened to cut off oil and gas supplies. This pressure appears to be a response to Armenia's recent policy shifts aimed at strengthening ties with the European Union, including visits from EU leaders to the Armenian capital in support of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's government ahead of the June 7 parliamentary elections.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has publicly urged Armenia to hold a referendum to decide its future, specifically asking citizens whether they wish to join the EU or remain within the EEU. This suggestion was made in a joint statement with leaders from other EEU member states, including Kazakhstan, Belarus, and Kyrgyzstan, during a recent meeting in Astana.

The EEU leaders' joint declaration emphasized the need for Armenia to potentially hold a referendum soon on its alignment, either with the EU or its continued membership in the EEU. Grigoryan's comments suggest Armenia is navigating these geopolitical pressures while maintaining its current economic alliances for the time being.