Armenia’s Prime Minister raises possibility of EU membership vote
Photo: Nikol Pashinyan (Getty Images)
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, during a conversation with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, suggested that a referendum on the country's accession to the European Union could be held in the country, according to Armenian Radio Svoboda.
As the edition writes, yesterday, July 27, Pashinyan spoke with Putin for the first time after the parliamentary elections held in June.
According to a statement from the Armenian government, Pashinyan called on Moscow to take action regarding the restrictions Russia has imposed on the import of products from Armenia. He explained that the measures contradict bilateral agreements and the rules of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).
Meanwhile, in the Kremlin, presenting the details of the talks, it was reported that Putin emphasized to Pashinyan the need to hold a referendum on joining the European Union or continued membership in the EAEU as soon as possible.
The press service of the Armenian government says that Pashinyan told Putin the following: a referendum could happen, but only after the country officially applies for EU membership.
The media also note that Russia did not congratulate Pashinyan on his victory in the parliamentary elections.
What else is important to know
In March 2025, the Armenian parliament passed in the second reading a bill on European integration. This document called on the government to begin the accession process to the EU.
At the beginning of this month, the EU figured out how to save Armenia from Russian pressure. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that the EU had abolished tariffs on almost 80% of Armenian exports. In addition, the country will receive financial assistance.
