EAEU warns Armenia of possible suspension over EU ties

A Russian-led economic bloc has warned Armenia it could face suspension from the group by the end of the year if it continues its pursuit of European Union membership, escalating a geopolitical rift ahead of pivotal elections in the South Caucasus nation. The leaders of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) issued the warning following a summit in Astana on Friday, stating that Armenia’s westward integration poses significant risks to the economic security of the five-member bloc.

The EAEU, comprising Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Armenia, said it would formally review Armenia’s membership with a view toward a possible suspension at its next meeting in December. The bloc’s leaders also called on Yerevan to hold a national referendum so its citizens can decide whether to deepen ties with Europe or remain aligned with the Moscow-led union.

Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that the standards of the EU and the EAEU are irreconcilable, and that the bloc would be forced to scale back practically all economic integration work with Armenia if it moves closer to the 27-member European Union. He emphasized, however, that such a decision would not damage humanitarian or...