YEREVAN — Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said on November 5 that Armenia has no plans to withdraw from the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), while reaffirming the government’s commitment to pursuing European Union membership. At the same time, he declared that Armenia’s interests in the Russian-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) have been exhausted.
Speaking to reporters following a government meeting, Pashinyan emphasized that Armenia has not begun preparations to leave the EAEU. Instead, the government is working to create an alternative path that would eventually allow Armenian citizens to determine the country’s future direction.
“We have begun preparations, as we promised our people, to create an alternative so that they will have an opportunity to make a decision. We are not preparing to leave the EAEU,” Pashinyan said.
The prime minister acknowledged that Armenia currently has no viable alternative that would allow it to withdraw from the Eurasian economic bloc. However, he stressed that the government remains committed to advancing its European integration agenda.
According to Pashinyan, Armenia’s EAEU partners have raised questions about the country’s future geopolitical orientation and the possibility of holding a referendum on EU membership. He explained that such a referendum cannot take place at this stage because there is not yet a specific proposal to put before voters.
“I have said before that, at this moment, there is no subject for a referendum that would allow us to hold one,” he stated.
Pashinyan explained that Armenia must complete several procedural steps before a referendum on EU membership could become a realistic option. He suggested that the ongoing process could lead Armenia to submit a formal application for EU membership in 2027 or 2028.
“It is clear to me that the process is leading toward our eventually submitting a formal application in 2027 or 2028 to begin the process of becoming a full member of the European Union,” he said.
The prime minister made similar remarks on November 3 in Brussels during the EU Enlargement Summit 2026, organized by Euronews. Speaking at the event, he described both 2027 and 2028 as realistic timelines for Armenia to formally apply for EU membership.
“Next year could be realistic. The year 2028 could also be realistic. We have launched a process that will lead us to a final decision on submitting a formal application for European Union membership,” Pashinyan said.
He acknowledged, however, that Armenia cannot simultaneously maintain full membership in both the European Union and the Eurasian Economic Union. At some point, the country would have to make a choice between the two economic blocs.
Armenia’s National Assembly adopted the Law on Launching the Process of the Republic of Armenia’s Accession to the European Union on March 26, 2025. The legislation entered into force on April 17, formally declaring the beginning of Armenia’s European integration process. Nevertheless, Armenia has not yet submitted an official application for EU membership.
Addressing Armenia’s relationship with the Collective Security Treaty Organization, Pashinyan took a more definitive position, declaring that the country’s interests in the Russian-led military alliance have effectively come to an end.
“I want to state once and for all that Armenia’s interests concerning the CSTO have been exhausted,” he said in response to a question about the possibility of formally withdrawing from the organization.
His remarks underscored the distinction between Armenia’s approach to the two Russian-led organizations. While the government intends to maintain its EAEU membership for the time being, it sees no further benefit in its relationship with the CSTO.
Pashinyan’s statements reflect Armenia’s efforts to expand its ties with the European Union while managing its existing economic commitments and reassessing its security relationships. Although the government has outlined a possible timetable for applying for EU membership, any eventual transition would require further political decisions and the completion of the necessary procedures.
