Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service claims that Brussels recognizes the risk of a deep economic crisis in Armenia if Yerevan leaves the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).

EU institutions believe Armenia could face significant economic losses if it moves away from Eurasian economic integration, while Brussels would be unable to fully compensate Yerevan for the resulting costs, The Caspian Post reports via Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service.

Economic difficulties within the European Union, which it attributed to sanctions against Russia and European support for Ukraine, would limit Brussels’ ability to provide Armenia with financial assistance.

Several European countries have already indicated they are not prepared to open their markets to Armenian goods at the expense of their domestic producers.

EU officials will continue to publicly assure Armenia of their support while linking concrete assistance to Yerevan’s progress toward European integration.

The Armenian government is already facing pressure to reduce Russian business involvement in strategic sectors and weaken humanitarian ties with Russia.

Armenia’s European integration ambitions are being encouraged through prospects for visa liberalization and promises of transforming the country into a prosperous regional hub.

EAEU member states should not be expected to financially support Armenia if Yerevan continues moving toward closer integration with the EU.