Pashinyan: Armenia Will Stay in Russia-Led EAEU Until EU Choice Becomes Unavoidable

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said Armenia will continue working within the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) until the country reaches a point where choosing between the European Union and the Russia-led bloc becomes unavoidable.

In a video address published on June 1, Pashinyan stated that the final decision regarding Armenia’s future foreign policy direction would be made by the Armenian people through a referendum.

“Until the moment when Armenia has officially applied to join the European Union or is very close to obtaining EU candidate status, holding any referendum is illogical.

Essentially, there is no solid justification for it yet, meaning the balance has not been formed. Today, that choice is theoretical, and putting a theoretical choice to a referendum is, of course, not very wise or correct,” the prime minister said.

Pashinyan stressed that Armenia currently sees no immediate reason to leave the EAEU and will continue participating in the economic bloc while also deepening relations with the European Union.

Speaking about Armenia’s relationship with Russia, the Armenian prime minister said Yerevan highly values its ties with Moscow and continues to develop bilateral relations. According to Pashinyan, Armenian-Russian relations are now entering what he described as a new and positive phase.

“In the new situation, we are establishing new relations with Russia, and I am convinced that we will succeed in this process,” the head of government said, adding that relations with Russia are open and honest, and that the two sides “have not kept any dark corners.”

Pashinyan also stated that Armenia intends to continue calmly working within the EAEU until any final decision becomes necessary.

He said Armenia would continue to “calmly, peacefully, without nerves, without arguments work within the Eurasian Economic Union,” where he noted the country still sees economic potential.

The remarks come amid increasing discussions over Armenia’s geopolitical direction and growing cooperation between Yerevan and the European Union.

Just days earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin publicly stated that Armenia would eventually need to make a final choice regarding its foreign policy orientation. Speaking on May 29 following a visit to Kazakhstan, Putin said Armenia should either remain in the Eurasian Economic Union or “civilly seek a divorce” and move toward the European Union.

Putin and the leaders of the other EAEU member states — Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan — also jointly urged official Yerevan on May 29 to hold a referendum within a short period of time on whether Armenia plans to join the European Union or remain in the Eurasian Economic Union.

Following Putin’s comments, Pashinyan responded by saying there was currently no objective necessity for Armenia to leave the EAEU.

Later on June 1, the leaders of Armenia and Russia held a phone conversation. According to the Armenian government, the two sides exchanged views on current issues related to the bilateral and multilateral agenda.

The Armenian government stated that Pashinyan thanked Putin for balanced positions, a friendly tone, and support regarding several issues that had led to differing interpretations.

“Prime Minister of Armenia thanked the President of Russia for balanced positions, friendly tone, as well as support regarding a number of issues that had become the subject of different interpretations,” the Armenian government statement said.

The two leaders also agreed to continue discussions during a future meeting.

According to the Kremlin, the phone call also included discussions about the results of the May 29 Eurasian Economic Union summit held in Astana.

The Kremlin additionally stated that Putin congratulated Pashinyan on his birthday during the conversation.

The issue gained additional political significance earlier this year after Armenia’s National Assembly approved legislation aimed at launching the process of Armenia’s future accession to the European Union. In March 2025, lawmakers adopted the bill in its second and final reading, formally beginning the legal and political process connected to potential EU integration.

Pashinyan delivered the June 1 remarks during a video address directed at his supporters ahead of campaign activities scheduled for Yerevan’s Malatia-Sebastia administrative district.

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