Moscow demands clarity from Yerevan on EU versus EAEU referendum

August 11, 2026 at 05:00 AM1 min

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Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin accused Armenia of contradictory statements on holding a referendum over EU accession or staying in the Eurasian Economic Union. He noted the government once called the EU law a political declaration but now cites June elections as public support for European integration. Leaders of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan at a May 29 summit jointly called for a nationwide vote.

Moscow's Accusations

Galuzin pointed to Armenia's constitution, which requires a government-initiated referendum for membership in supranational organizations. During 2025 discussions on the EU accession law, Armenian officials argued that the document was merely a political declaration and thus no referendum was needed. After the June elections, they now claim the results demonstrate national support for a European track without a vote.

EAEU Summit Statement

At the EAEU summit in Astana on May 29, leaders of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan adopted a joint statement backing a nationwide referendum in Armenia on choosing between the EU and EAEU. They stressed that such a vote would be fair to Armenian citizens and other union members. Russian President Vladimir Putin previously warned that EU integration would automatically end Armenia's EAEU participation and the associated economic benefits.