Armenian premier prioritizes EAEU, says EU membership incompatible

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan told Eurasian Economic Union leaders on Friday that strengthening ties with the bloc remains Yerevan's priority, even as his government pursues closer integration with European institutions. Speaking at the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council meeting in Cholpon-Ata, Pashinyan said Armenia adopted legislation in 2025 to launch an EU accession process, but emphasized that the move was designed to create a strategic alternative rather than an immediate shift in alliances. He stressed that simultaneous membership in the EAEU and the European Union remains impossible under current institutional frameworks.

Referendum would be 'meaningless' without preparation

Pashinyan warned that holding a referendum on EU membership before completing necessary institutional preparations would be "meaningless" because citizens would be asked to decide "on an option that does not yet exist." "This would be disrespectful to our people and practically illegitimate," he said, adding that proper accession would require a formal membership application, EU candidate status, approval by member states and the support of Armenian voters. He noted that the 2025 law does not place Yerevan in a position to join the EU immediately, since the process demands extensive structural reforms and diplomatic milestones.

EAEU partners demand swift referendum

The Armenian premier's comments came after EAEU heads of state issued a joint statement on May 29 in Astana calling for a nationwide vote "as soon as possible" to determine whether Yerevan should pursue EU accession or maintain its EAEU membership. The presidents of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan signed the declaration, which reflects mounting pressure from Moscow and its allies as Pashinyan's government deepens cooperation with Brussels. Russian officials have previously warned that closer EU ties could jeopardize Armenia's EAEU participation and lead to the loss of economic preferences granted by the bloc.

Yerevan seeks balance between blocs

Pashinyan insisted that Armenia's current relationship with the EU creates no legal, economic or political obligations conflicting with its EAEU commitments. "The Eurasian Economic Union should not be viewed as a space of restrictions," he said, adding that cooperation between member states and third countries should not be treated as a "zero-sum game." He reaffirmed Yerevan's commitment to the EAEU treaty's founding principles, including equality among member states and mutually beneficial cooperation, noting that the bloc's long-term attractiveness depends on respecting sovereign rights and honoring existing agreements. Armenia has participated in the Russian-led economic union since January 2015, when the bloc formally entered into force following a May 2014 treaty signed by Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Russia.