Armenia rejects Putin's proposal for EU membership referendum

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has dismissed a proposal from Russian President Vladimir Putin to hold a referendum on Armenia's potential European Union membership. The leaders discussed the matter by phone just a week before Armenia's parliamentary elections.

Putin had urged Yerevan to hold a referendum "as soon as possible," stating that EU membership would be incompatible with remaining in the Eurasian Economic Union, a bloc led by Moscow. Pashinyan, in a Facebook video address, explained that holding a referendum would be illogical until Armenia formally applies for EU membership.

Armenia and Russia share a long history and are technical allies. However, Yerevan has criticized Moscow for its lack of support during the 2023 conflict with Azerbaijan and is now seeking favor with the EU and the United States. Armenia has suspended its participation in a regional security pact with Russia.

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It would be illogical to hold a referendum as long as Armenia has not officially applied for EU membership.

Last year, Armenia adopted legislation officially stating its intention to apply for EU membership, continuing a partnership established in 2017. This paved the way for the country to host a European summit in May, a move welcomed by the EU as a step forward in bilateral relations. Moscow, meanwhile, views Armenia's overtures to Brussels with suspicion. The Kremlin summoned its ambassador to Armenia for consultations last weekend regarding the strengthening ties between Yerevan and the EU.

Pashinyan described the current Armenian-Russian relationship as being "in a phase of transformation." He expressed confidence in building new relations with Russia, emphasizing that their ties are "open and sincere."

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Armenian-Russian relations are currently in a phase of transformation. We are building new relations with Russia and I am sure we will succeed, especially since our relations with Russia are open and sincere.