Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan responded at a meeting of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council to a statement by the leaders of four Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) member states calling on Yerevan to hold a referendum on Armenia’s accession to the European Union. According to the Armenian prime minister, holding such a referendum at this stage would be meaningless.
“The Republic of Armenia has taken note of the statement by the leaders of the four EAEU member states of May 29, 2026, which expressed support for the idea of holding a referendum in Armenia on the country’s accession to the European Union. As you know, in 2025 Armenia adopted a law launching the process of the Republic of Armenia’s accession to the European Union. The strategic purpose of adopting this law is to create an alternative for our country.
We understand that simultaneous membership in the Eurasian Economic Union and the European Union is impossible. However, the adoption of this law does not mean that Armenia currently has the opportunity to become a member of the EU.
When Armenia is sufficiently prepared for EU membership in the future, that still will not mean that our country will automatically become an EU member. This will also require the consent of the EU member states and the approval of Armenia’s citizens. On the other hand, it is obvious that this issue cannot be put before the citizens of Armenia without prior institutional preparation. Even after that, it will be necessary to submit an official application to join the European Union and then obtain the status of an EU candidate country.
Without completing at least a large part of these stages, holding a referendum on this issue would be meaningless and would mean expecting our citizens to answer a question that simply does not exist at this moment. It would mean asking the citizens of Armenia to choose between two alternatives, one of which does not exist. That would be disrespectful to our people and practically illegitimate.”, Pashinyan said.
He also stressed that the ability of EAEU member states to develop relations with third countries can and should benefit the union itself.
“I am grateful to my colleagues in the EAEU for recognizing Armenia’s legitimate right, as well as that of any other EAEU member state, to develop relations with various partners and create trade and economic alternatives for its country. Moreover, I believe such an approach is beneficial for the EAEU because the existence of possible alternatives is a factor that will contribute to the union’s competitiveness and attractiveness.
And I do not think anyone would deny that, in this respect, we still have work to do within the EAEU. We are ready and propose to work on this issue. At the same time, I must note that there are currently no legal, economic or political obligations in Armenia’s relations with the European Union that contradict our status and commitments within the EAEU.”, he added.
Pashinyan stressed that the EAEU should not be viewed as a space of restrictions.
“We believe that cooperation between EAEU member states and third-country partners should not be perceived as a zero-sum game. The Republic of Armenia consistently advocates adherence to the fundamental principles of the treaty and, within the Eurasian Economic Union, supports the equality of member states and the further development of practical, mutually beneficial cooperation. The EAEU will become more attractive the more consistently we adhere to our own agreements and respect each other’s sovereign rights. This is what we see as the foundation of trust, stability and long-term success.”, Pashinyan said.
Pashinyan also noted that in 2025 Armenia contributed $319 million in customs duties to the union’s common budget but received only $175 million through the distribution mechanism.
“Thus, Armenia contributed significantly more funds to the union’s common budget than it received. This is direct confirmation of our responsible position and our good-faith fulfillment of our obligations within the EAEU.”, he said.
He also pointed out that Armenia imported $5 billion worth of goods from EAEU member states, while Armenian exports to the union amounted to $3.2 billion.
“These figures show that the Republic of Armenia is not only a participant in the EAEU common market but also a significant consumer of goods and services produced in the union’s member states.”, Pashinyan said.
