Armenia Faces EAEU Pressure Over EU Path as Yerevan Eyes Energy Diversification Through TRIPP

MOSCOW-YEREVAN — Armenia is expected to make a decision by December 2026 on whether to hold a nationwide referendum on joining the European Union or remaining a member of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), according to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin.

Galuzin said the leaders of the EAEU member states could discuss further coordinated steps regarding Armenia at the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council meeting scheduled for December.

“It is clear that if, by that time, no call for a referendum has been made, the leaders will take that fact into account when determining appropriate further joint steps,” Galuzin said.

The Russian deputy foreign minister noted that a joint statement issued on May 29 by the presidents of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan addressed Armenia’s European aspirations. According to Galuzin, the document emphasized the need for Armenia to hold a referendum as soon as possible on whether to pursue EU membership or remain within the EAEU.

At the same time, the statement did not specify a deadline for holding such a referendum.

Galuzin said the issue would again be discussed at the December meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council. The leaders are also expected to receive a report on the possible consequences of suspending the application of the May 29, 2014 EAEU Treaty with respect to Armenia.

According to Galuzin, the referendum issue and the future course of Armenia’s relations with the EAEU could become key topics at the December meeting.

Meanwhile, Armenian officials say the country is exploring additional options to diversify its energy supplies, including infrastructure envisioned under the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP).

“If Russia decides to raise gas prices, a gas pipeline is expected to pass through Armenia within the framework of TRIPP, and we will diversify,” Civil Contract parliamentary faction member Sargis Khandanyan said during a briefing at the National Assembly.

“A gas pipeline is expected to pass through Armenian territory as part of TRIPP. This could provide another opportunity for us to consider having an additional source and making use of the possibilities offered by that pipeline,” Khandanyan said.

He added that implementation of TRIPP has entered a practical stage, noting that a dedicated financial fund has been established in the United States to finance the project.

“Financial resources are already being accumulated there, and a feasibility study is also underway,” Khandanyan said. “I very much hope that we will move to the actual construction of the railway as quickly as possible. There is also interest in accelerating the installation of electricity transmission lines.”

Khandanyan’s remarks come as Armenia continues to pursue a policy of diversifying its economic, energy and foreign relations while maintaining its current membership in the EAEU.