Pashinyan warns trade deadlock could trigger 'beginning of the end' of EAEU

July 29, 2026 at 05:00 AM2 min

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Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan warned on July 28 that the Eurasian Economic Union is 'paralyzed' and that the bloc's failure to resolve trade restrictions on Armenian goods could mark the 'beginning of the end' of the union. He said Armenia has no plans to leave but will press ahead with EU integration, a stance he discussed with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The remarks come even as EAEU leaders, including Kazakhstan's chairmanship, have prioritized removing internal trade barriers.

The Warning

Pashinyan told journalists after a meeting of his Civil Contract party that the EAEU is 'paralyzed and not working,' according to Sputnik Armenia. He predicted that if the trade issue is not resolved quickly, it could trigger the 'beginning of the end' of the bloc. The Armenian leader said he raised the matter in a recent phone call with Putin, and they reached a mutual understanding on several points. Pashinyan insisted that Armenia has a legitimate right to pursue alternatives, adding that 'the era of no alternatives is closed.'

EU Integration Path

Armenia has deepened its pivot toward the European Union, with Pashinyan stating he informed Putin that Yerevan will continue its Euro-integration path, especially after the Armenian people voted for the ruling party with that mandate. He argued that a referendum on EU membership cannot be pointless and that Armenia must at least apply to the EU to hold one. On May 29, leaders of four EAEU nations, including Russia, signed a statement that effectively endorsed the idea of an Armenian EU referendum, which Pashinyan called a positive step acknowledging the legitimacy of the agenda. However, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk warned that Armenia's alignment with EU standards could pose threats to the EAEU.

Trade Standoff

The immediate trigger for Pashinyan's warning is a dispute over Russian restrictions on Armenian exports of fruits, vegetables, flowers, fish, and alcohol, which Yerevan says violate EAEU rules. According to Azh.kz, Armenia formally requested Russia to lift these measures. The trade row carries added significance as Kazakhstan, which holds the EAEU chairmanship in 2026, has made removing internal trade barriers a priority. Pashinyan acknowledged that Russia's partners recognize the legitimacy of Armenia's alternative policies, but the question is when that alternative will materialize.