Could Uzbekistan Move Closer to the Eurasian Economic Union as Armenia Looks West?
As Armenia deepens its push toward closer ties with the European Union, analysts are increasingly asking whether Uzbekistan could strengthen its engagement with the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).
The debate comes amid growing tensions between Armenia and the EAEU, with member states warning Yerevan that its EU ambitions could jeopardize its position within the economic bloc. Armenia has increasingly distanced itself from Moscow in recent years, while maintaining formal membership in the EAEU.
Uzbekistan, which has held observer status in the EAEU since 2020, has gradually expanded economic cooperation with member states but has so far stopped short of seeking full membership. The country has repeatedly emphasized its desire to maintain an independent foreign and economic policy while benefiting from regional trade integration.
Supporters of closer ties argue that deeper integration could boost trade, investment and labour mobility for Uzbekistan. However, critics warn that full membership could limit Tashkent’s economic flexibility and complicate its efforts to pursue a multi-vector foreign policy with partners in Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
For now, experts suggest Uzbekistan is likely to continue balancing cooperation with the EAEU while preserving its observer status, even as geopolitical shifts reshape economic alliances across the post-Soviet region.
