The resolution of the problems of Armenian exports and compliance with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) rules is of fundamental importance. Otherwise, the emerging crisis may lead to the collapse of the EAEU, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan told reporters on Wednesday.

Pashinyan touched upon relations within the EAEU and alternative policy issues in more detail.

“Problems have arisen in relations with the EAEU due to well-known circumstances, as a result of the fact that the Republic of Armenia has tried to find alternatives. It is very important to have legitimacy in politics, including among partners in the Russian Federation. The question is when this alternative should be implemented. The leaders of the EAEU countries, in a statement adopted on May 29, have recognized Armenia’s right to hold a referendum on joining the European Union [(EU)]; that is, they have recognized the legitimacy of this agenda,” said the Armenian premier.

Then, Pashinyan revealed the details of his dialogue with the Russian leadership and his position on the aforesaid referendum.

“I told the Russian president that we [i.e. Armenia] have announced this path and we will follow this path, especially now that the people [of Armenia] also have voted for it. I do not imagine that as a result of our policy we will find ourselves in a situation where Armenia has no alternatives. Armenia must always and in all matters have alternatives, and the era of not having alternatives is closed,” Pashinyan said.

In particular, the Armenian prime minister warned of the consequences if the obstacles that have arisen in the EAEU market are not eliminated in a short time.

“We are now recording that the problem is Armenia’s, but the problem is not Armenia’s, it is the EAEU’s problem, because it turns out that the EAEU is paralyzed and does not work. If this issue is not resolved, let me predict that this will be the beginning of the end of the EAEU,” Nikol Pashinyan concluded.

Russian President Vladimir Putin had pointed to the need to hold a referendum in Armenia, during which Armenian citizens would have to choose between the EU and the EAEU.