Russia's Lavrov says Armenia cannot join EU while remaining EAEU member

Armenia cannot pursue European Union membership while remaining in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Tuesday, adding that the decision ultimately rests with the Armenian people.

“Movement toward EU membership cannot be combined with maintaining EAEU membership,” Lavrov told a press conference on Russian diplomacy. He cited incompatible trade and investment standards, noting that Brussels seeks to align Armenia’s legal framework with EU norms.

Lavrov said the choice is Armenia’s to make, but stressed that dual participation in both blocs is “absolutely impossible”.