Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk is sure that Armenia must decide between remaining in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and joining the European Union (EU). Otherwise, it will not know "what jam to cook."

"If, let's say, Armenia goes to the European Union, it means new standards, new technical regulations are emerging there that do not correspond to ours. A simple example: you want to organize jam production. You need to purchase some equipment. Will you buy this equipment according to European or Eurasian standards?" Overchuk asked in an interview with TASS on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.

“And until you have an answer to this absolutely simple and obvious question, you will not be able to decide what kind of jam you will cook, in what packaging, what description this product will have, what requirements will be, in what languages. All this must be understood,” the Russian deputy premier added.

He noted that “if Armenia is going to the European Union, it must decide and make a choice where it wants to be.”

“In this regard, the statement adopted by four leaders of the EAEU [member countries] at the recent Supreme Eurasian Economic Council [meeting] in Astana quite clearly suggests that the Armenian leadership think about holding a referendum [on the matter] as soon as possible,” Overchuk added.

In his opinion, “this would be in everyone’s interests, because the current pending situation creates uncertainty, first of all for investors.”

“Uncertainty harms everyone, including Armenia itself. That is why the EAEU leaders have asked [the Armenian authorities] to decide [on the matter] as soon as possible,” added the Russian deputy PM.