ASTANA — The presidents of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan have adopted a joint statement calling for a nationwide referendum in Armenia as soon as possible on whether the country should join the European Union or remain a member of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).
The joint statement was published on the Kremlin’s official website.
The declaration, adopted in Astana on May 29, states that the position was shaped by Armenia’s recent steps toward European Union integration, including the 2025 law adopted by Armenia’s National Assembly and signed by the president regarding the launch of the process of EU accession, as well as the joint declaration issued at the first Armenia-European Union Summit held on May 5, 2026, which reaffirmed the EU’s support for Armenia’s European aspirations.
“We share the view that a nationwide referendum should be held in the Republic of Armenia within the shortest possible timeframe on the question of joining the European Union or remaining within the Eurasian Economic Union,” the statement said.
The document further notes that EAEU member states see significant economic security risks associated with Armenia’s preparations for European Union membership.
As a result, representatives of Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia in the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council will present a report at the next meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council in December 2026 regarding the potential consequences of suspending the application of the EAEU treaty with respect to Armenia.
