ArmInfo. Armenia will lose up to 25-27% of its exports if it withdraws from free trade agreements with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), Anton Sviridenko, Executive Director of the P.A. Stolypin Institute for Growth Economics, told TASS.
"If the opportunity for free trade with the EAEU is lost, Armenia will lose up to 25-27% of its exports," he noted.
The expert added that Armenia will also lose such a significant resource as the unimpeded movement of labor. "Armenian citizens will likely be able to work here with work permits, but not like they do now in the EAEU, where you can basically work in any country without obtaining any additional permits," he explained.
As a reminder, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan previously stated that Armenia would soon begin the process of applying for EU membership.
On March 26, 2025, the Armenian Parliament adopted a law beginning the country's accession process to the EU. Russian President Vladimir Putin noted that EU integration automatically entails the cessation of Armenia's interaction with the EAEU and the loss of all associated benefits. On May 29, 2026, at the EAEU summit in Astana, the leaders of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan adopted a joint statement stating that they share the position on the need to hold a national referendum in Armenia on joining the EU or remaining part of the EAEU.
