Russia says Armenia’s EU accession law means leaving Moscow-led trade bloc. Yerevan disagrees
At their first meeting since Armenia’s June election, Pashinyan rejected Putin’s claim that Yerevan had begun leaving Moscow’s economic bloc.
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Armenia's 2025 law initiating its EU accession process equates to a renunciation of its membership in the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan maintained that Armenia has not invoked any withdrawal procedures and has not contravened any bloc regulations.
The leaders encountered in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, during a Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit, where the clash over Armenia's westward trajectory evolved into a dispute regarding the extent of its separation from Moscow. Armenia is currently finalizing an EU application, having suspended involvement in Russia's military alliance, yet it remains an integral part of the trade bloc.
Russia remains Armenia's principal trade partner, contributing approximately 35% of its foreign trade. The disagreement emerged during the initial minutes, with Putin recognizing Armenia's rightful aspiration to join the EU, but asserting that the law initiating the process amounts to a declaration of withdrawal from the trade bloc, thereby creating difficulties.
He urged Armenia to expedite a decision and proposed a referendum to ascertain whether Armenia should remain within the trade bloc or pursue EU membership, urging Pashinyan to put the matter to a public vote for closure. Pashinyan countered that the bloc lacks a mechanism to expel member states, only allowing for a voluntary withdrawal process necessitating six months' notice, and that Armenia has not submitted such a notice.
He argued that the issue is not yet ripe for a referendum, emphasizing that Armenia must first submit a formal EU application, await a response, and agree on an accession roadmap. The extent of Armenia's progress: Armenia's parliament enacted a law launching the EU accession process in March 2025, although the government contends that the law does not constitute a formal membership application.
On August 24, Pashinyan informed lawmakers that the government would commence preparations for a formal application in the near future. Armenia has also reclassified Russia from its status of "strategic partner" in its new government program and effectively halted its participation in the Russia-led Collective Security Treaty Organization since early 2024.
Russia's response: Since May 2026, Moscow has imposed sanctions on Armenian agricultural imports, including fruit, vegetables, and mineral water, citing phytosanitary concerns. The EU deemed these measures as "economic coercion" and announced a support package exceeding €50 million for Armenia in June. Pashinyan stated that dialogue would persist after the meeting, describing the talks as "very good" and indicating that both leaders agreed to engage in a "sincere and constructive dialogue" during a future visit to Moscow. He further stated that bilateral relations needed to be "rethought" under new circumstances.
Written by urgent.news from Euromaidan Press's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
