Armenia officially joins EAEU

From today, Armenia has officially become a member of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), which unites Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan; however, till the end of 2015, Yerevan will have a limited representation in the executive bodies of the Union.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that the treaty of Armenia’s accession to the EAEU was signed on October 10, 2014.

Although the country is already a full-fledged member of the Union, Armenia's transition to the Common Customs Trade Tariff of the EAEU will take place gradually and be fully completed only by 2022, the "Prime" writes.

The discussion and ratification of the treaty of Armenia’s accession to the EAEU took place against the backdrop of protests and harsh criticism. According to opponents of the treaty, the membership in the EAEU threatens Armenia with decline in the freedom of speech. Experts also see the flaws in the treaty in relation to the rights of exporters and clearance procedure of goods at the borders. In their turn, the authorities claim that the membership in the EAEU will accelerate the Armenia's economic growth.

Let us remind you that the EAEU is effective from 1 January on the basis of the Eurasian Economic Community (EurAsEC); and the concept of the new association was proposed in October 2011 by Vladimir Putin, the then Prime Minister of Russia.

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.