Lukashenko advises Armenia not to put the cart before the horse in its EU aspirations

ArmInfo. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko advises Armenia not to put the cart before the horse in its quest to join the EU.

"If you've decided to join the European Union, what's your rush? Clearly determine where your cognac will be sold, where your vegetables and fruit will be sold. In what quantities. Will you be able to replace what you sell here today? If you're convinced that France will buy your cognac (they have nowhere to put their own, but they'll buy from you), then go ahead. What are you rushing for? Why are you putting the cart before the horse?" "The Belarusian President said at a meeting with the heads of government delegations participating in the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council, BelTA reports.

On May 9, Russian President Vladimir Putin, speaking to journalists, suggested that Armenia decide on its membership in the EU and the 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 whenever it deemed it necessary. And on May 29, the heads of four of the five EAEU countries adopted a resolution recommending that Armenia hold a referendum on its continued membership in the EAEU. On the same day, the Russian president stated that Armenia could not sit on two chairs and needed to make a choice as soon as possible.

It should be noted that on January 9, 2025, the Armenian government approved a draft law on the beginning of the process of joining 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.