Armenia may soon apply for EU membership, signaling shift from Russia

Yerevan – Armenia is preparing to formally apply for membership in the European Union, signaling a significant geopolitical shift as the country seeks closer ties with the West and a move away from Russian influence. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian stated that the application could be submitted in the "near future."

This potential bid for EU membership comes amid strained relations between Armenia and Russia. Yerevan has expressed dissatisfaction with Moscow's perceived lack of support during its 2023 war with Azerbaijan. Armenia has also suspended its participation in a regional security pact involving Russia, with Pashinian indicating he would be "satisfied" if Armenia were formally excluded, freeing the country from the dilemma of withdrawing.

Russia, which considers the Caucasus region its traditional sphere of influence, views Armenia's European aspirations with strong disapproval. Moscow has urged Armenia to hold a referendum on EU membership, arguing that such a move would be incompatible with Armenia's continued participation in the Eurasian Economic Union, a Russia-led economic bloc.

Pashinian responded to the call for a referendum by stating it would only be meaningful once the "realism" of EU accession could be assessed. He emphasized that Armenia must first submit its membership application to the EU. The prime minister also noted "urgent requests from our partners in the Eurasian Economic Union" as a factor in potentially accelerating the process, though he did not provide a specific timeline for the application.