For Armenia, strengthening cooperation with the member states of the Eurasian Economic Union remains one of the foreign policy and foreign economic priorities, and this approach will also be reflected in the program of the new government of Armenia, which I have been entrusted to head, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated at the meeting of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council, in Kyrgyzstan on Friday.

“At the same time, I would like to emphasize that Armenia consistently stands for adherence to the principles that underlie the Eurasian Economic Union [(EAEU)].

One of the fundamental principles of the Eurasian Economic Union is ensuring the free movement of goods, services, capital, and labor. Unfortunately, in practice, these principles are not fully implemented. Individual restrictions and administrative measures continue to hinder the full functioning of the single [EAEU] market, reducing the predictability of the conditions for conducting business and the effectiveness of integration processes.

Armenia has always ensured the most favorable, equal, and non-discriminatory conditions for the activities of economic entities of all [other] states of the Eurasian Economic Union. We [i.e. Armenia] consistently proceed from the fact that a similar approach should be applied throughout the territory of the Eurasian Economic Union. That is why we consider it fundamentally important that any measures affecting the access of goods and services of member states to the single market be taken exclusively in accordance with the law of the EAEU, on the basis of agreed procedures, and within the framework of constructive interaction between competent authorities.

Neglecting such issues can not only slow down the further development of the Eurasian Economic Union, but also negatively affect the attitude towards it by the citizens of our countries and the business community.

Ultimately, such issues cease to be the problems of an individual member state; they become the shared problem of the entire union. That is why we must eliminate emerging obstacles in a timely manner, prevent the deterioration of trade and economic relations within the EAEU, minimize copyright and business risks, and consistently strengthen mutual trust.

It must also be acknowledged that the strategic goals have not yet been fully achieved in a number of directions. This means that today we must focus not only on discussing new initiatives, but also on the practical implementation of already adopted decisions, accelerating coordination procedures, and increasing the efficiency of the EAEU institutions,” added the prime minister of Armenia.