Pashinyan questions EAEU's viability after partners adopt statement in Armenia's absence

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on Thursday questioned the credibility and future viability of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) after member states adopted a statement in Armenia’s absence, warning that such a precedent could call into question the bloc’s very existence.

The declaration called on Armenia to immediately hold a referendum on whether to abandon European Union integration or remain in the Moscow-led bloc.

Addressing a cabinet meeting, Pashinyan said he intended to seek answers from his counterparts regarding the statement adopted without Armenia’s participation and stressed the need to clarify its practical implications.

“I have questions for my colleagues concerning the declaration that was adopted in my absence,” Pashinyan said. “We must understand what this means in practical terms. Can any EAEU member state – or a group of member states – take decisions affecting another member?”

The prime minister argued that the situation facing Armenia today could ultimately confront other members of the Moscow-led economic bloc as well.

“If the answer to that question is yes, then the EAEU is effectively announcing its dissolution,” Pashinyan said. “And in that case, we, too, will have to draw the necessary conclusions.”

He emphasized that the organization must provide an unequivocal explanation of how it intends to function and whether its principles remain intact.

“The EAEU must clearly state whether it exists as a functioning union or not,” Pashinyan said. “If it does, Armenia will determine its position accordingly.”