Armenia has taken a significant step toward aligning itself with Europe by approving a bill aimed at launching the accession process to the European Union. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan during a routine cabinet meeting, indicating the government’s positive stance on this historic shift. The cabinet has also suggested amendments to the bill to ensure alignment with the law on normative legal acts, with the next step being a parliamentary debate.
Prime Minister Pashinyan has stated that the government’s position is open to the bill’s passage and stressed the importance of developing a joint roadmap with the EU to guide the accession process. In his remarks, Pashinyan expressed confidence about discussing potential pathways with the EU to strengthen cooperation, with Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan supporting this by highlighting ongoing dialogues on visa liberalization and a new comprehensive partnership agreement in the pipeline with the EU. For his full statement, visit the Prime Minister’s official announcement.
While Armenia seeks closer ties with the EU, its relationship with Russia remains unchanged concerning Russia’s military presence within its borders. Kremlin response through spokesman Dmitry Peskov remains skeptical, suggesting incompatibility between EU accession and Armenia’s current membership in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk has been particularly vocal, comparing entry into the EU to “buying a ticket to the Titanic” in light of what he perceives as current EU economic challenges. More details can be found in his comments via TASS.
The trajectory towards EU membership is complex, underscored by Armenia’s post-Soviet legacy and potential domestic dissent. Pashinyan emphasized that accession would ultimately depend on a referendum, requiring constitutional amendments and public support. This development follows the submission of a legislative initiative to the Central Electoral Commission in late 2024, supported by a petition to form a tripartite Armenia-US-EU collaboration, which has now moved to parliamentary consideration. Armenpress outlines the petition submission process and subsequent steps.
European responses have generally been positive, with European Parliament member Miriam Lexmann endorsing Armenia’s aspirations, noting the importance of shared values and fulfillment of necessary conditions for any prospective EU member. Her comments highlight the importance of alignment with EU principles as a pivotal factor in the accession process. For further insights, Lexmann’s statement can be viewed on her X (formerly Twitter) account.