Armenia's EU bid accelerates as Pashinyan cites security alternatives

September 1, 2026 at 08:31 PM2 min

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Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced on August 24 that Armenia will prepare to formally apply for EU membership. The move comes as Armenia's relations with Russia and the Eurasian Economic Union deteriorate. The government program for 2026-2031, however, makes no mention of EU membership or a formal application.

Key Facts

Pashinyan first announced the intention to prepare for EU membership on August 24 while presenting the government program for 2026-2031 in parliament.
The government program for 2026-2031 does not mention EU membership or a formal application, according to opposition MP Artur Khachatryan.
EU Commission spokesperson Markus Lammert said on August 25 that Armenia is closer to the EU than ever and called the earlier law on starting the EU accession process an important symbolic signal.
Pashinyan linked the accelerated EU bid to a growing crisis within the Eurasian Economic Union.

Government Program Discrepancy

The Armenian government program for 2026-2031, which sets the course for the new cabinet, contains no mention of EU membership or a formal application. Opposition MP Artur Khachatryan from the Armenia faction pointed out that Pashinyan's statements diverge from the official five-year program. The document only promises to deepen strategic partnership, implement the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement signed with the EU in November 2017, harmonize standards based on the law adopted in spring 2025 on starting the EU accession process, and complete the visa liberalization dialogue.

EU Response

Brussels stressed that membership is a lengthy process based on strict adherence to clearly defined European values. EU Commission spokesperson Markus Lammert said on August 25 that Armenia is closer to the EU than ever. Lammert called the previously adopted law on starting the EU accession process an important symbolic signal.

Eurasian Tensions

Pashinyan linked the intention to accelerate EU membership to a growing crisis within the Eurasian Economic Union. Armenia had previously assured that despite closer ties with the EU, it would remain a member of the EAEU, which also includes Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, and Kyrgyzstan. Amid worsening relations with Moscow, Armenia is shifting its position.