Yerevan at a Crossroads: Choosing Between the EU and the EAEU Amid Russian Pressure

Armenia and the European Union are actively strengthening their political and economic ties to ensure long-term stability and development. According to brusselssignal.eu, French President Emmanuel Macron noted that the country has chosen a path toward Europe. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas emphasized that Armenian voters have made their choice clear:

"Peace, sovereignty, and closer ties with Europe."

Meanwhile, a rally of around 2,000 people took place in Brussels' Schuman Square, demanding more active intervention from the EU in the conflict with neighboring Azerbaijan.

Moscow's Ultimatum and the EAEU Factor

Russia is pressing Yerevan to make a final decision regarding its foreign policy vector. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin stated that the issue of a referendum on EU membership must be clarified by December. He told the TASS news agency:

"It is obvious that if the call for a referendum is not heeded by then, the leadership will take this fact into account when determining further appropriate joint steps."

Russian President Vladimir Putin also expressed a firm stance on the impossibility of dual membership in both blocs, according to brusselssignal.eu:

"Being in a customs union with the European Union while remaining in the EAEU is impossible. It is simply impossible."

He added that the issue is not primarily political but purely economic in nature. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has acknowledged this contradiction:

"Membership in both unions is incompatible."

In the context of this mounting pressure, Russia restricted the import of several Armenian agricultural products starting May 22.

Regional Reactions

On a domestic and regional level, following the parliamentary elections on June 7, Nikol Pashinyan's government continues its mandate. According to armenpress.am, Georgian Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili congratulated Ararat Mirzoyan on his reappointment as Armenia's Foreign Minister. She expressed hope for the further strengthening of the strategic partnership and good neighborly relations between the two countries.