Shoigu stated the risks of Armenia losing up to $1.5 billion from a reduction in tourism from the Russian Federation

Armenia's losses from the reduction of tourism from Russia can amount to up to $1.5 billion, and the insignificant amounts allocated by the European Union (EU) for projects beneficial only to it will not cover such losses. This was announced on June 3 by the Secretary of the Russian Security Council, Sergei Shoigu.

"The European Union can allocate small amounts for projects that benefit it, for example, € 1.5 million for the development of so—called independent media, that is, for its own propaganda. Or, for example, € 2.2 million to support the liberalization of the visa regime, which clearly does not compensate for the losses from the reduction of tourism from Russia, which can amount to up to $ 1.5 billion," he said in a commentary by the press service of the Security Council of the Russian Federation.

Shoigu noted that the EU is not ready to accept Armenia's real costs, for example, to compensate for the difference in the cost of gas, which Armenia imports from Russia in large percentages. He noted that with global prices, it would take about $1 billion. That is why gas will become more expensive, and the costs will fall on the population, Shoigu stressed.

According to him, most of the electricity in Armenia is generated from gas, so electricity prices for industry and citizens will also increase. In addition, Shoigu noted that the authorities of the republic should realize that they do not have sales markets in Europe, as well as goods certified according to EU standards.

Right to vote: Armenia will not be admitted to the European Union until 2030

Meanwhile, the inter-party struggle is intensifying in the country, and the central streets are filled with protesters.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said on the same day that Russia was counting on Armenia's "historically correct choice" in the situation with the European Union (EU) and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). The diplomat expressed the hope that this choice would be in favor of deep and fraternal relations with Russia.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on June 1 that the EAEU countries would work out all the nuances of Armenia's membership in the union by December. He added that the right structures and departments of the EAEU countries will submit reports to their leaders on the solution of this issue.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said on the same day that Yerevan would continue to work in the EAEU until the issue of choosing between the Eurasian Union and the European Union (EU) required a specific decision.