PM Pashinyan: Armenia Will Not Cut Ties with Russia While Joining EU Process

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated in the Czech Republic that Armenia does not intend to sever its relations with Russia while beginning the process of joining the European Union.

At an international forum, on Friday, Pashinyan said, "Our parliament recently passed a law to start the process of joining the European Union. We have very close cooperation with the EU now. But at the same time, we do not want to end our relations with Russia. Our foreign policy is balanced and this is our strategy."

The Armenian Parliament voted in March to launch the EU membership process. This step caused some tension between Armenia and Russia. Russian officials warned that Armenia might have to choose between the Russian-led Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and the European Union.

The European Union itself holds a similar view when it comes to Armenia's membership in the EAEU, the trade bloc led by Russia. 

Pashinyan also spoke clearly about the presence of Russian troops in Armenia. He said that while Armenia reduced the number of Russian troops last year, the country is not pushing to end the Russian military presence on its soil.

He explained, "We have another task: to establish lasting and stable peace with our neighbors in the region."

For many years, Russia has maintained a military base and border guards in Armenia, especially along the borders with Turkey and Iran. These troops are seen by many as a key part of Armenia's security.

Over a year ago, Pashinyan suspended Armenia’s active membership in the Russia-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), a military alliance. He criticized the alliance and Russia for not fulfilling their security promises to Armenia, especially after recent escalations by Azerbaijan. 

In recent months, relations with Moscow have begun to improve. High-ranking Russian officials, including Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and the head of Russia's Federation Council, Valentina Matvienko, have visited Yerevan.

Armenia has said it is not yet ready to formally apply for full EU membership. The government passed a law in April to launch the beginning of this process, but officials have emphasized that this is a first step, not a final decision.

Pashinyan acknowledged that Armenia will eventually need to choose between the EU and the Russian-led bloc, but he did not say when that decision would come.

Economically, Russia remains Armenia’s largest trade partner. Last year, over 41% of Armenia’s foreign trade was with Russia, while the European Union accounted for just 7.7%. This economic reality adds to the complexity of Armenia’s foreign policy.

The government has expressed an interest to maintain peaceful relations with neighboring countries while pursuing closer ties with Europe. According to Pashinyan, this approach aims to balance Armenia’s historical ties and security interests while seeking new partnerships.

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