Phachinyan: Restrictions in the EAEU Common Market Continue to Create Obstacles

The strengthening of cooperation with member states of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) remains one of Armenia's foreign policy and economic priorities. This was stated by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan during a session of the extended body of EAEU countries' prime ministers.

According to him, this approach will also be reflected in the new government's program. At the same time, Pashinyan noted that Armenia consistently advocates the preservation of the principles underlying the EAEU, recalling that one of those principles is ensuring the free movement of goods, services, capital, and labor.

“Unfortunately, in practice, these principles are not fully implemented. Certain restrictions and administrative measures continue to hinder the full functioning of the common market, reducing the predictability of business operating conditions and the effectiveness of integration processes,” Pashinyan said.

The Prime Minister emphasized that Armenia provides the most favorable, equal, and non-discriminatory conditions for all economic entities of EAEU member states and expects that the same approach will apply throughout the EAEU territory.

Pashinyan stressed that any measures affecting the availability of goods and services in the common market of member countries should be adopted exclusively within the framework of EAEU law, agreed procedures, and constructive cooperation among competent bodies.

He assessed that ignoring such issues could not only slow down the further development of the EAEU but also negatively impact citizens' and the business community's attitudes towards the union.

Pashinyan also highlighted that several strategic objectives previously set have not yet been fully implemented, hence it is necessary to focus not only on discussions of new initiatives but also on the practical implementation of already adopted decisions, speeding up coordination procedures, and enhancing the effectiveness of EAEU institutions’ work.

“Armenia's participation in the Eurasian Economic Union is based on the fulfillment of mutual obligations, not on receiving unilateral advantages,” Pashinyan stated.