Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, speaking at an EU enlargement summit, said his country could formally apply for European Union membership in 2027 or 2028.
The politician described EU accession as a strategic choice to safeguard democracy after the events of 2018, which removed pro-Russian figures from power, Euronews reports.
According to Pashinyan, Yerevan has already begun the process of preparing to take a final decision on submitting an application. In August, the head of government told parliament he intended to join the bloc in the near future, taking the country out from under Russia’s influence.
For now, no official application has been submitted, but Armenia is in talks with the European Commission on visa liberalisation, aiming to complete the process by 2029.
The Armenian prime minister stressed that he wants to create an alternative for citizens, as it was previously believed the country had no choice outside Russia’s orbit. Responding to Moscow’s threats of possible retaliatory measures, including cutting off energy supplies, Pashinyan said he intends to diversify political and economic relations to avoid risks.
In addition, the prime minister dismissed remarks by former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev that Armenia risks repeating Ukraine’s fate. He underlined that his top priority is strengthening the country’s independence. The politician also acknowledged that EU membership is incompatible with remaining in the Eurasian Economic Union, noting that the final choice rests with the Armenian people. He also pointed to Georgia’s determination in European integration as an important example for Armenia’s citizens.