ArmInfo. Armenia gives more to the EAEU than it receives and should have a larger share in the union's overall economic system. Economy Minister Gevorg Papoyan told reporters at a briefing on November 5, responding to a question about possible restrictions on Armenia's membership in the EAEU.
"Armenia shouldn't give $450 million and receive $250 million, but it's fair that Armenia should receive $900 million. In other words, we give a lot and receive little. We're already in a very bad situation. We shouldn't have given $450 million and received $250 million; we should have simply received $900 million for giving $450 million," Papoyan said.
He noted that the issue of increasing Armenia's share in the union's overall economic system has been discussed at various times, and other countries have also raised similar questions. According to the minister, the Armenian side is currently conducting preparatory work to conduct the negotiations under the most favorable conditions and achieve a positive outcome.
When asked whether he expects the arguments presented by Armenia to lead to the lifting of the restrictions, Papoyan responded that he is optimistic. "I think at least one country will use its veto right. We also need to discuss this, understand; I have never had any illusions about this," the minister said, adding that he will later present details of the possible procedures on November 9.
Regarding the prospects of Armenia's EU membership and the possible reaction from EAEU member states, Papoyan said that any country can have an influence on Armenia's decisions, but it is necessary to understand whether it has the right to make demands. According to him, Armenia remains a member of the EAEU and will continue to fulfill its obligations within the union as long as it considers membership right. Papoyan also emphasized that Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's statements regarding the possible timing of the EU membership application are addressed to the international community and are not directed specifically at any particular country.
It should be noted that in 2025, Armenia transferred approximately $319 million in import customs duties to the EAEU general budget, with approximately $175 million being returned to Armenia. The negative balance amounted to approximately $144 million. In 2024, the country transferred $323 million to the general budget and received $189 million in return (the negative balance amounted to approximately $135 million). According to Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, these figures demonstrate that the country's participation in the union is based on the fulfillment of shared obligations, not on unilateral financial gains. For its part, the Russian Foreign Ministry noted that Armenia's share of the EAEU general budget is approximately 1%.
