Kocharyan called Armenia's foreign policy a "geopolitical twine"

Armenia's foreign policy in an attempt to retain membership in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and at the same time apply for membership in the European Union (EU) is a "geopolitical twine." This was announced on June 1 by former President Robert Kocharyan.

"What is happening here: all the rhetoric is directed towards Europe, and the economy and business are directed towards Russia. This is a political, geopolitical splits," he said in an interview with RBC.

Kocharyan added that the current Armenian government is consciously abandoning the model in which Yerevan can economically "breathe and develop" in favor of the "chimera" of joining the EU, hopes for which are groundless.

EAEU or not: Armenia's rapprochement with the EU will reduce its exports by a third

What will the republic lose if ties with the Eurasian Economic Union weaken, and who will eventually pay for the break?

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on May 29 that if Armenia were to adopt EU economic standards, integration processes with the republic would have to be curtailed. He warned that upon withdrawal from the EAEU, Armenia would lose access to free trade agreements, and its citizens would need to acquire patents to work in the Russian Federation.

Armenian Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan 31 added that it is premature for Yerevan to think about choosing between the EAEU and the EU, until "the issue has become clear." He said that in this case, Armenia will be ready to "conduct stress tests."