Baku:Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has advised Armenia to thoroughly evaluate the economic ramifications of joining the European Union, particularly concerning the export of Armenian products.

According to Azeri-Press news agency, Lukashenko emphasized the necessity for Armenia to consider where its signature products, such as cognac, vegetables, and fruits, would be sold if the nation became part of the EU bloc.

He urged Armenia to align its foreign policy with its economic interests, asking why there was a rush to join the EU if the country was confident in its trade prospects with EU nations like France.

In 2025, Armenia enacted legislation to initiate its EU accession process while maintaining its membership in the Eurasian Economic Union. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that this legislation does not equate to EU membership, and additional formal steps are necessary. Consequently, Armenia has not automatically become an EU candidate country following this legislative move.