YEREVAN, September 1. Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan stated that Armenia will continue its gradual integration with the European Union, but the application for EU membership is not expected to be submitted in the coming week:
Mirzoyan noted that a lot of work remains to be done before the application stage. "We will inform you step by step: visa liberalization, compliance with standards, and so on. When our integration reaches the stage of submitting documents, I will inform you. But before that, a lot needs to be done," said Mirzoyan in an interview with Armenian Public Television.
"I do not foresee such a thing in the coming week. We will think about next year," added the Foreign Minister.
Armenia between the EU and the EAEU
The Armenian authorities declare a course towards rapprochement with the European Union and transition to European standards, while stating their intention to maintain membership in the EAEU as long as participation in both integration directions is compatible.
Moscow has repeatedly warned about the possible economic consequences of Armenia transitioning to EU standards. Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that in such a case, Russia would have to suspend economic integration with Armenia. According to his assessment, the republic could lose up to 14% of GDP in the event of rising energy prices after leaving the EAEU.
Armenian Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure David Khudatyan, in turn, stated that gas supplies are currently secured, contacts with partners continue, and potential risks remain manageable for the country's economy.
