Armenia is a member of the EAEU and will continue to operate from that position, acting Deputy Economy Minister Narek Hovakimyan told parliament, while also stressing the importance of diversifying the country’s economic ties.
Hovakimyan made the remarks during a debate on a bill to ratify the free trade agreement between the EAEU and Indonesia. He said the deal would remove or gradually reduce customs duties on a number of goods exported from Armenia to Indonesia, according to Sputnik Armenia.
During the discussion, Hayastan faction lawmaker Agnesa Khamoyan asked what consequences Armenia’s economy could face if the country left the EAEU or was no longer part of the bloc, and what alternative could exist in such a scenario. She also referred to declining export volumes and asked to what extent the Indonesian market could replace current export destinations.
Khamoyan said exports, if she was not mistaken, had fallen by 7%, and argued that officials should clarify what share of that decline could realistically be offset through Indonesia. She urged the government not to rely on routine talking points.
In response, Narek Hovakimyan said Armenia is making full use of the mechanisms available within the EAEU. He added that efforts are also being made through the bloc’s procedures to address emerging obstacles, including Russian restrictions affecting certain Armenian products.
At the same time, the deputy minister said there is no alternative to diversification. While risk scenarios should indeed be discussed, he noted that both the Economy Ministry and the government currently proceed from the fact that Armenia is an EAEU member and will continue working on that basis.
National Assembly Speaker Ruben Rubinyan also joined the discussion, reacting to the phrasing about Armenia potentially being “removed” from the EAEU. Rubinyan said there is no mechanism for removing Armenia from the union.
The free trade agreement between the Eurasian Economic Union, its member states and Indonesia was signed in St. Petersburg on Dec. 21, 2025.
The report also recalled a meeting in Bishkek between Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Putin said Armenia’s aspiration toward the EU is a natural and legitimate right of the country and its people, as Armenia is a sovereign state. At the same time, he warned that such a course creates difficulties in terms of membership in the Eurasian Economic Union and could deprive Armenia of its advantages in the EAEU market while disrupting established trade chains.
