Matviyenko says any decision by Armenian authorities will not affect EAEU stab

Russia has once again reiterated that Armenia cannot join the European Union while remaining a member of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), as membership in the two organizations is incompatible.

The Chairwoman of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, Valentina Matviyenko, is the latest Russian official to comment on the matter.

“Joining the European Union, seeking membership in that bloc, or launching the accession process are incompatible with remaining a member of the Eurasian Economic Union. All leaders speak openly and frankly about this: a choice must be made. I hope it will be a choice made by the Armenian people. As for the stability of the Eurasian Economic Union, any decision made by the Armenian authorities will have no impact on the organization’s stability. The EAEU has proven its effectiveness and mutual benefits. Interest among other countries in cooperation with the EAEU is constantly growing,” the Russian official said at a press briefing.

Valentina Matviyenko also said that Armenia would lose a great deal if it decided to withdraw from the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO).

“Ultimately, it is within Armenia’s authority to decide whether or not to remain a member of the CSTO. However, I believe that if the latter option is chosen, Armenia will lose a great deal,” she said.

At the latest CSTO summit in Moscow on November 11, Armenia was deprived of its voting rights and its right to nominate candidates for quota-based positions. However, CSTO Secretary General Taalatbek Masadykov said that the issue of expelling Armenia from the organization had not been discussed at the meeting.

Armenia announced in February 2024 that it was freezing its participation in CSTO activities. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has recently said that Armenia’s interest in the CSTO had been exhausted.