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Lavrov warns Armenia: EU standards cannot be adopted while remaining an EAEU member

20 January 2026 14:27 (UTC +04:00)

It is impossible to adopt European Union (EU) standards while remaining a member of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said at his annual press conference, APA’s Moscow bureau reports.

He noted that about a year and a half ago, during his most recent visit to Yerevan, he discussed the issue of EU standards and EAEU membership several times with his counterpart Ararat Mirzoyan and Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.

“Anyone even slightly familiar with how the EAEU operates understands that it is impossible to adopt EU standards while remaining a member of the Eurasian Economic Union. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk has repeatedly explained this to his Armenian counterpart during their contacts. It is technically impossible. They are incompatible not only because of different trade and investment rules, but also because Brussels wants to align Armenia’s legal framework with its own standards,” Lavrov said.

According to him, these standards also require full compliance with the EU’s foreign policy, including sanctions against Russia and anti-Russian statements.

“In December last year, a new strategic agenda for Armenia’s partnership with the EU was signed. This agenda indicates the need for coordination in foreign policy, the economy, and visa liberalization. This is linked to the EU having a say in decisions related to law enforcement and border protection. It is understandable that our border guards are stationed in Armenia. The question then arises: how does this fit together? Therefore, of course, moving toward EU membership cannot be combined with maintaining EAEU membership. If Armenia, as Mr. Pashinyan has said, makes the relevant decisions in line with the will of the Armenian people, that is the right of Armenia and its people. Naturally, the choice must be made by the Armenian people and the Armenian leadership. However, combining participation in both (the EU and the EAEU) is completely ruled out,” the Russian foreign minister concluded.