Armenian PM Pashinyan Outlines Conditions for EU Membership Referendum
On August 13, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan clarified the conditions for holding a national referendum on European Union membership. He stated that a public vote would only take place after Yerevan submits an official application to Brussels. Interestingly, he also did not rule out the possibility of Armenia eventually stepping away from both major economic blocs.
During a press briefing on August 13, the head of the Armenian government provided new details regarding the timeline of a potential nationwide vote. The process is a key part of clarifying the South Caucasus nation's future foreign economic and political trajectory.
Prerequisites for an EU Referendum
Nikol Pashinyan explained that a referendum on joining the European Union will be organized only when the issue becomes highly substantive. Before asking for the citizens' mandate through a vote, Armenia must first officially submit a formal application to join the EU bloc.
Exploring Alternatives
According to the Prime Minister, at this current stage, both the European Union and the Russian-led Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) remain equally important to Armenia. This balanced approach will be maintained until Yerevan manages to develop viable alternatives. As reported by the "Vesti" news outlet, the Prime Minister emphasized:
"Perhaps we will make a decision in favor of neither the EU nor the EAEU. Such an option is also entirely possible."
- Yerevan might ultimately choose neither of the two proposed unions.
- Any final decision will only be made following proper official procedures.
Russia's Stance on the Issue
Earlier, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin commented on Armenia's geopolitical shift. He stated that by December of the current year, Armenia should hold a referendum to definitively clarify whether it intends to pursue EU integration or maintain its current membership in the EAEU.
This article was generated automatically using AI based on reporting from established news sources. All sources are listed below.
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