Armenia prepares to seek EU membership as it distances itself from Russia

Armenia is taking a decisive step toward Europe. Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan said EU accession has become official state policy and that filing an application is only a matter of time. He said the country is already deepening ties with Brussels without waiting for formal procedures.

In an interview with DW, the minister said Armenia intends to apply for EU membership, and it could happen fairly soon.

“When it happens – maybe next month, maybe next year,” the foreign minister said, noting that many factors will influence the timing.

Mirzoyan stressed that Armenia has significantly stepped up cooperation with the European Union, including under the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement, which has been in force since 2021.

“We have already started the process of visa facilitation. I think it’s going quite well,” he added.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan earlier said Yerevan is ready to leave the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), which includes Russia, to pursue EU membership. Authorities understand that belonging to both blocs at once is not possible.

In the spring, Armenia’s parliament and president enshrined the course toward EU accession in political documents. Pashinyan said the final decision will be made in a referendum.

Earlier, Pashinyan said that Armenia no longer considers itself a member of the CSTO (a military alliance led by Russia) and has no intention of returning to the organization.

Pashinyan first announced in February that Armenia was freezing its participation in the CSTO and left the door open to a full withdrawal.