Pashinyan Challenges EAEU Effectiveness While Outlining Sweeping Domestic and Regional Agenda

| News, Politics, Armenia

On June 25, Nikol Pashinyan, the Prime Minister of Armenia, explained his earlier remark that "the EAEU must decide whether it exists or not," stating that the functioning of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) should be measured by the free movement of goods, labor, and capital. Speaking at a briefing after a government meeting, Pashinyan said that if these conditions do not exist, then the organization effectively does not function. He added that temporary disruptions could be tolerated for a month or two, but if they persist for four months, "then the EAEU doesn’t exist." "If not, then what should we do? Well, no, and no," Pashinyan said, noting Armenia’s 11 percent economic growth in May.

Pashinyan acknowledged concerns regarding the EAEU situation, but stated that such concerns also apply to other member states. "Rest assured, they are concerned, because they know the same thing could happen to them," he emphasized. He added that Armenia is not pursuing withdrawal from the bloc, but warned that if the issues are not resolved, "the collapse of the EAEU is inevitable." The prime minister also announced that Armenia is preparing legislation allowing citizens to voluntarily donate to media outlets, NGOs, and political parties. He explained that individuals will be able to make such donations through declaration processes and when accessing social loan mechanisms.

Addressing domestic reforms, Pashinyan assessed the performance of the health insurance fund over the past six months as positive, despite what he described as attempts to discredit it. He also confirmed that a board of trustees had been formed and a director general appointed, adding that the government aims to extend universal coverage to the entire population by 2028, with the next phase including citizens aged 63 and older. He further stated that no major changes are expected in the new cabinet, particularly at the level of deputy prime ministers.

Commenting on public criticism related to a diver who spent days searching for the bodies of children in Lori, Pashinyan said the issue would be addressed after receiving a report from the Minister of the Interior. The prime minister also addressed political narratives concerning regional issues, stating that rhetoric about "Western Azerbaijan" mirrors certain developments in Armenia. He referred to discussions in the National Assembly and noted that while international attention is focused on upcoming hearings abroad, internal political processes in Armenia were often overlooked. He warned that continued actions related to the Karabakh movement would be met with political response, stressing that "any step that contradicts the people’s decision" would not be allowed. "I'm in power, that's why I'm speaking," he said, adding that these issues would not have practical consequences while the current government remains in office.

Pashinyan also rejected claims that Armenia equates its actions with those of Azerbaijan in the context of legal or conflict-related issues. Referring to a European Court of Human Rights-related case involving the killing of officer Hayk Toroyan, he stressed that he had never equated the two sides. He also noted the importance of preserving peace, warning that it could easily be undermined and lead to further escalation.

Responding to questions about relations with Turkey, Pashinyan said cross-border travel between Armenia and Turkey is already occurring in both directions and described it as normal. He added that both sides are preparing for eventual border opening, attributing negative perceptions to historical inertia and what he called a deeply rooted "mentality" in Armenia. "The problem is common; it's a mentality," he stated, adding that such perceptions must change.

Referring to border-related issues, Pashinyan said the ratified agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan on delimitation commissions serves as a legally binding document confirming territorial integrity, describing it as a kind of "cadastral certificate" for the state. He emphasized that Armenia’s policy is based exclusively on its internationally recognized borders. He also revisited his earlier statement "Artsakh is Armenia, period," explaining that it reflected his understanding at the time. Pashinyan said that reassessing those views led to what he called the development of the "Real Armenia" ideology, which is grounded in Armenia’s internationally recognized territory.

Finally, addressing criticism regarding his public behavior, including not always stopping at red lights, Pashinyan attributed such changes to the evolving security environment and practical considerations of governance. He argued that constant delays due to traffic were not compatible with official responsibilities and noted that he continues to visit many communities on foot.

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