Samvel Karapetyan: Armenia`s European integration agenda is aimed against Russia

ArmInfo. Armenia's course toward European integration is directed against Russia. This was stated by businessman Samvel Karapetyan, leader of the "Strong Armenia" bloc, in a conversation with journalists on September 25 after a court hearing.

The politician did not directly answer whether he was against European integration, stating only that he "is a supporter of many European values." At the same time, Karapetyan reiterated his previously expressed views that no one welcomes Armenia in the European Union (EU). "No one welcomes Armenia there. There are no states in the European Union that do not border other EU countries. Therefore, for me, these are incomprehensible steps, which, it seems to me, are being taken to exacerbate relations with Russia," the bloc leader noted.

Speaking about whether the law on the country's accession to the European Union should be repealed in this case, Karapetyan stated that to answer this question, it is necessary to understand what challenges it will bring for Armenian citizens.

As a reminder, on January 9, 2025, the Armenian government approved a draft law on the accession process to the European Union, proposed by the "Eurakve" civic initiative. The draft was sent to the Armenian parliament for approval. On March 26, the parliament adopted it in its final reading and sent it to the president for signature. The document was signed on April 4 of that year. Moscow stated that Russia had conveyed to Armenia that simultaneous membership in the Eurasian Economic Union and the European Union was impossible. On May 9, Russian President Vladimir Putin, speaking to journalists, suggested that Armenia decide on its membership in the EU and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) as soon as possible, expressing its readiness to "begin a civilized divorce" if necessary. Yerevan responded by stating that it would leave the EAEU when it deemed it necessary. And on May 29, the heads of state of four of the five EAEU countries adopted a resolution recommending that Armenia hold a referendum on its continued membership in the EAEU. That same day, the Russian president stated that Armenia would not be able to sit on both sides and needed to make a choice as soon as possible.