Armenia to launch EU accession bid in 'near future,' PM says, further distancing from Russia
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan told parliament on Aug. 24 that Yerevan will soon launch its bid to join the European Union, as the country seeks to further distance itself from Russia.
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced on August 24 that his country will soon begin the process of applying to join the European Union. This move is intended to distance Armenia further from Russia. Speaking to the National Assembly, Pashinyan mentioned that a referendum on potential accession would be held once the EU process commences.
In April 2025, Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan signed a law officially starting the EU accession process, though no specific timeline was provided. This symbolic action reflects the aspirations of the Armenian people. Pashinyan's government has been actively distancing Armenia from Russia, its traditional ally, and pursuing closer ties with the West.
Following the Nagorno-Karabakh crisis in 2024, tensions between Russia and Armenia have escalated. Russia, Armenia's longstanding military and economic partner, has since reduced its diplomatic presence in Yerevan and threatened to cancel a 2013 gas and oil export agreement. Armenia has sought new partnerships with the West, signing strategic declarations with the UK and France.
President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine recently stated that Armenia's ties with Ukraine are improving, following a call between the two leaders. Despite accusations of Russian interference in Armenia's recent parliamentary election, Pashinyan's Civil Contract Party won the vote, winning over pro-Russian forces.
Written by urgent.news from Kyiv Independent's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
