"During a meeting in Strasbourg next week, we should adopt a resolution on Russian pressure on Eastern Partnership countries," said Lithuanian MEP Laima Andrikienė of the European People's Party group.
She attended meetings between MEPs and representatives of EU delegations and special representatives on Tuesday.
In her words, the meetings addressed Armenia's decision to join the Russian-led Customs Union, thus thwarting its hopes of signing a Free Trade Agreement with the EU.
"Of course, there will be response from the EU, however, if this is followed through, it will have very serious consequences for Armenia," said the MEP.
In Andrikienė's words, Russian actions can be viewed as pressure on the EU.
"By pressing Armenia into joining the Customs Union, Russia does not act against the Eastern Partners countries but against the whole EU, as the Eastern Partnership policies are among the EU's most active policies and one of the banners of EU's foreign policy," she told BNS.
Social Democrat MEP Zigmantas Balčytis, a member of the EP Socialist group, maintains that Armenia's decision on the Customs Union and possible pressure on Russia's side will not go unanswered by the EU.
"I believe the issue will be included into the EP Strasbourg plenary session," he added.
"The event, which brings major changes to preliminary agreements and, in the end, the essence of Eastern Partnership – extensive efforts may be made, but things can change overnight," Balčytis told BNS.
Armenia's President Serzh Sargsian announced plans of joining the Customs Union on Tuesday after meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Putin emphasized Russia would provide “full support to the process."
Armenia was initially expected to initial the Association and Free Trade Agreement with the EU during the Eastern Partnership summit in Vilnius in November.
