Yerevan, Armenia – In a political stance reflecting Yerevan’s delicate balancing act between East and West, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced that his country will continue its activities within the Eurasian Economic Union. He also affirmed that this course will continue as long as circumstances do not force an unavoidable choice between the Russian-led bloc and the European Union.
“The referendum” is the people’s choice
In a live broadcast on social media platforms, Pashinyan explained that the strategic decision regarding which bloc to align with cannot be a unilateral decision by the government. Rather, it must be decided through a referendum reflecting the will of the Armenian people.
However, Pashinyan stipulated a logical condition for this process, stating: “Before Armenia submits a formal application to join the European Union or even approaches candidate status, holding a referendum seems illogical.”
The Armenian Prime Minister deemed it a mistake to propose “theoretical” referendum options before the political and economic conditions were ripe. He also emphasized that the government would continue its work within the Eurasian Economic Union calmly, avoiding tensions or conflicts, and focusing on utilizing the available economic opportunities within this framework.
Russian pressure and regional efforts
Pashinyan’s remarks come amid mounting regional pressure, with Russian President Vladimir Putin having previously stressed the importance of Armenia clarifying its position quickly and unequivocally. He also hinted at the possibility of a “quiet and civilized divorce” should Yerevan choose to fully align itself with Brussels.
The Armenian issue recently dominated discussions at the Eurasian Economic Union summit. The leaders of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan issued a joint statement explicitly calling for a referendum in Armenia to determine its future.
Armenia now faces a complex geopolitical challenge. On the one hand, it has economic and historical ties with the Eurasian Economic Union member states. On the other hand, it seeks to strengthen its political and economic relations with the European Union within the framework of Pashinyan’s policies of openness.
Yerevan, through its prime minister’s statements, affirms that it is not seeking to create crises with its current partners, but at the same time, it is not closing the door to the European option. It leaves the final word to the Armenian people to determine their country’s future path, at a political moment that could be decisive for the future of the Caucasus.
