Armenia's PM Pashinyan Refuses Russia-Demanded Referendum on EU vs EAEU

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced that there are currently no grounds for holding a referendum in Armenia on the question of choosing between the European Union and the Eurasian Economic Union. The referendum was demanded by Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan rejected demands to hold a public vote in Armenia that would determine the country's future direction — toward the European Union or the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). According to Pashinyan, there are currently no grounds whatsoever for conducting such a referendum.

The referendum was demanded by Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan — all EAEU member states. The demand reflects growing tension between Armenia and its former allies, as Yerevan has in recent years clearly shifted toward European integration.

Armenia has increasingly distanced itself from Russia in recent years, including by suspending its participation in the CSTO (Collective Security Treaty Organization), Russia's led collective security organization. At the same time, Yerevan has actively developed relations with the European Union and taken steps that signal a desire to move closer to Western countries.

Pashinyan's decision to refuse the referendum demonstrates Armenia's leadership's firm commitment to a European course, despite pressure from eastern neighbors. Armenia is the only EAEU member state that has so openly expressed interest in moving closer to the European Union.