Russia compares Armenia’s EU bid to “buying a ticket on the Titanic”

PanARMENIAN.Net - Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Alexey Overchuk has compared joining the European Union to buying a ticket on the Titanic.

Overchuk made the remarks on Thursday, January 9 when commenting on Armenia’s EU aspirations, RIA Novosti reports.

“The EAEU and the EU are incompatible. Both unions imply the absence of customs borders and the freedom of movement of goods, services, capital and labor,” Overchuk said, adding that Armenia will have to make a choice.

He said that if Yerevan abandons relations with the EAEU, energy and food prices will rise. Overchuk added that the export of goods from Armenia could fall by 80%. The Deputy Prime Minister maintained that in return the country will receive a “visa-free regime and depopulation”.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said, in turn, that before talking about Armenia’s possible membership in the European Union, it is necessary to understand Brussels’ position on the matter.

On Thursday, the Armenian government backed a legislative initiative to begin the process of joining the EU. The draft will be considered by parliament.