YEREVAN. – It is indispensable to perceive the fundamental difference between free trade and economic union.  

German Ambassador to Armenia, Reiner Morell, told the aforesaid to Armenian News-NEWS.am, responding to the query as to whether Armenia would lose the opportunity to develop economic cooperation with the European Union, should it integrate to the Eurasian Economic Community.   

“If the matter refers to free trade, any country is free in terms of trade with any other country, and the state may adopt a decision as to whom the preference should be given,” the ambassador noted.

In his words, however, if a country is living under the conditions of the Eurasian Economic Community, the given country becomes a member of a family, where there are certain rules.  

“Hence, if you become a member of the given club, you cannot make use of the [economic] freedom that existed before.

“[But] it is up to Armenia to decide. If it becomes a member in the future Eurasian Economic Community, it will no longer be able to hold talks with us as Armenia, but rather it will act as a member of this community,” Ambassador Reiner Morell stated.        

Photo by Arsen Sargsyan/NEWS.am