The Armenian government has formally endorsed the initiation of the process to join the European Union, a move that could significantly strain its relationship with long-standing ally, Russia, Bloomberg reports.
During a government meeting on Thursday, officials approved a bill that officially announces Armenia’s intent to apply for membership in the 27-nation bloc, according to the Interfax news agency. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan confirmed that a final decision on EU membership would be put to a national referendum, though the accession process typically takes years.
This development follows earlier statements from Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, who in March indicated that the nation was considering EU membership. The move comes amid increasing tensions with Russia and in the context of its ongoing conflict with neighboring Azerbaijan.
The European Parliament has previously signaled its openness to Armenia joining the EU, approving a resolution in March that welcomed closer cooperation. The resolution also stipulated that Armenia could apply for membership if it met the necessary criteria, including adherence to democratic principles, respect for fundamental freedoms, human and minority rights, and the rule of law.
Russia, however, has reacted strongly to Armenia’s potential pivot toward the West. In April, Moscow warned of “devastating consequences” if Armenia were to abandon a Russian-led defense alliance and align with the EU. Armenia currently hosts Russia’s only foreign military base in the region.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov further clarified Russia’s position on Thursday, stating that it would be “simply impossible” for Armenia to be a member of both the EU and the Russian-led Eurasian Economic Union simultaneously.
