Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan held a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday to address Armenia’s intention to pursue European Union (EU) membership. This move has drawn stern warnings from Moscow, highlighting growing tensions between the two countries.
The Kremlin’s statement noted that Pashinyan briefed Putin on Armenia’s recent actions regarding its relations with the EU. While it did not disclose Putin’s specific remarks, it mentioned that the Russian leader offered his “comments and assessments.” The two leaders also discussed ways to deepen integration between Russia and Armenia, emphasizing the “practical benefits” of collaboration within the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU), particularly for Armenia’s economy.
According to the Armenian government’s press office, the conversation covered “upcoming actions within the framework of the EEU” and bilateral ties. However, it did not reference Armenia’s January 9 decision to approve a bill initiating the process for EU accession.
Shortly after the announcement of this decision, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexei Overchuk warned that seeking EU membership would be “incompatible” with Armenia’s continued membership in the EEU. Overchuk stressed that leaving the Russian-led trade bloc would harm Armenia’s economy, leading to reduced exports and higher costs for Russian natural gas and food imports.
Armenian Economy Minister Gevorg Papoyan clarified on Monday that Armenia has no immediate plans to leave the EEU. Nevertheless, Overchuk reiterated Moscow’s concerns, describing the EU membership bid as the “beginning of Armenia’s withdrawal from the EEU.”
The bill has not yet been placed on the Armenian parliament’s agenda, leaving uncertainty about when discussions might begin.
Pashinyan’s government appears to be exploring closer ties with the West as relations with Moscow grow increasingly strained. Armenia’s trade data underscores the complexity of this shift: Russia accounted for over 41% of Armenia’s foreign trade in the first 11 months of 2024, compared to the EU’s 7.5%.
