Armenia Moves Towards EU Membership, Signaling Shift from Russia
Erevan, Armenia – The Armenian government has approved a resolution to initiate accession talks with the European Union, a significant step that could potentially distance the country from its close ties with Russia. This shift towards Europe comes amidst deteriorating relations between Armenia and Russia, following President Vladimir Putin’s order of military operation in Ukraine in February 2022.
Foreign Minister Arajat Mirzoyan announced in March 2022 that Armenia is considering applying for EU membership. Since then, the country has been in the process of withdrawing from the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), a Russian-led military alliance.
In a recent development, Mirzoyan publicly presented the resolution project to the media, highlighting the "dynamic development" of Armenian-EU relations in recent years. The project aims to begin negotiations for Armenia’s potential accession to the EU.
Armenia’s disappointment with Russia stems from Moscow’s refusal to support Erevan in its dispute with Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan clarified that the approved resolution does not guarantee Armenia’s EU membership but initiates a process that ultimately requires a national referendum on EU accession.
Before the referendum, Pashinyan stressed the need for a "roadmap" in collaboration with European institutions. Following the presentation of the project, it will now enter a parliamentary discussion and voting process.
This article is based on a press release and does not constitute news in a material sense.