Armenia Not Yet Ready for EU Membership, Pashinyan Says, While Advocating Balanced Relations with Russia

YEREVAN — Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has stated that Armenia is not currently ready to join the European Union, emphasizing that significant reforms are still needed to meet EU membership standards.

In an interview with Radio France Internationale (RFI), Pashinyan also stressed that Armenia has no intention of severing or worsening relations with Russia. Instead, he said, the government seeks to strengthen those ties while pursuing a more balanced foreign policy and diversifying its economic partnerships.

Responding to a question about Armenia’s efforts to reduce its economic dependence on Russia, Pashinyan explained that Armenian-Russian relations cannot remain exactly as they were in the past because the regional political environment has changed.

He pointed to the peace process with Azerbaijan as one of the developments requiring a reassessment of Armenia’s foreign relations.

“Our goal is to strengthen, consolidate, and develop our independence. That is why we have adopted a balanced and balancing foreign policy,” Pashinyan said.

The prime minister emphasized the importance of creating alternative import and export opportunities for Armenian businesses to reduce the country’s vulnerability to external economic disruptions.

As an example, he cited the diversification of Armenia’s petroleum import market. Previously dominated by a small number of suppliers, the sector now includes dozens of importing companies.

According to Pashinyan, this diversification has helped Armenia withstand disruptions in international petroleum markets, including supply problems experienced in Russia following Ukrainian military operations.

Addressing the possibility of a referendum on withdrawing from the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), Pashinyan said such a decision would require Armenia to have at least submitted an application for EU membership.

He acknowledged that Armenia is not yet prepared to become an EU member and must undertake substantial institutional and economic reforms to meet European standards.

“Our objective is to ensure that the people of Armenia can decide whether the country should remain a member of the Eurasian Economic Union, join the European Union, or belong to neither,” Pashinyan said.

He emphasized that regardless of the eventual decision, Armenia would continue implementing reforms aimed at aligning the country with EU standards.

The prime minister added that even if Armenia becomes fully prepared for EU membership, accession would depend on two essential factors: the European Union’s willingness to admit Armenia and the Armenian people’s approval through a democratic vote.

Pashinyan reiterated that the government’s priority is to strengthen Armenia’s sovereignty, expand its economic options, and maintain constructive international partnerships while allowing citizens to determine the country’s long-term integration path.