Armenia could officially apply for EU membership in 2027 or 2028, the country’s prime minister told Euronews. He described joining the EU as a strategic choice to safeguard democracy, noted that Armenians must choose between Brussels and Russia’s Eurasian bloc, and dismissed comparisons with Ukraine.
According to Pashinyan, Yerevan submitting an application within the next two years is “realistic.” Speaking at the Euronews EU Enlargement Summit, he pointed out that the Armenian government intends to allow its citizens to choose their own path.
“Next year we can talk about feasibility. 2028 is also realistic. We have initiated a process that will lead us to the final decision to apply for formal membership in the European Union.”
In August, addressing the national parliament, Pashinyan stated that his government intends to apply for EU membership “in the near future.” Such a step would pull the South Caucasus nation out of Russia’s orbit and bring it closer to Brussels, Euronews notes.
Yerevan has not yet submitted an official application. Armenia is currently engaged in a visa liberalization dialogue with the European Commission, hoping to conclude this process by 2029.
“For our people, democracy is not a matter of circumstance. It is a strategic choice. The European Union has been one of the primary partners of the Republic of Armenia in implementing our democratic reform agenda.”
Pashinyan also stated that his primary intention is to provide an alternative, “because traditionally the perception in our society, and perhaps in our neighborhood, was that Armenia had no alternative.”
Asked by a Euronews journalist about threats from former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev—who suggested Armenia could become the next Ukraine—Pashinyan rejected the comparison and stressed that his priority is safeguarding his country’s independence.
“Our goal is to reach a new level, to develop our independence. And this is a legitimate goal. No one can diminish Armenia’s aspiration to be a more independent, more integrated country,” Pashinyan continued.
The Armenian prime minister added that he recognizes a choice must be made between accession to the EU and retaining membership in Russia’s Eurasian Economic Union, and that it is up to the people of Armenia to make that choice.
“We were inspired by Georgia’s determination to become a full member of the European Union. For Armenia, Georgia’s success is vital to how our citizens view our own European prospects,” he said.