Pashinyan outlines conditions for Armenia’s potential EU membership applicati

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has outlined under what conditions Armenia would officially apply to the European Union for membership.

Pashinyan addressed the topic while presenting the pre-election program of the ruling Civil Contract party in a video address. 

“Since 2023, the EU civilian mission operating in Armenia has contributed to the stability of our country along the eastern borders. In 2024, the EU’s ‘Resilience and Growth’ plan supporting Armenia was adopted and is being implemented. EU member states, by consensus decision, provided support to Armenia under the European Peace Facility. In 2025, the law on the launch of the process of Armenia’s accession to the European Union was adopted. The Armenia–EU visa liberalization dialogue was launched, and an action plan in this direction was handed over to Armenia. Armenia–EU consultations on security and defense were launched. In the same year, the Armenia–EU strategic partnership agenda was signed. Since 2018, the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement between Armenia and the European Union has been in force. The Republic of Armenia will continue implementing the necessary reforms to meet the criteria for joining the European Union until it fully complies with those standards. Once Armenia meets those criteria, EU membership will become a matter of political decision and will depend on whether the EU is ready to accept Armenia. If yes, the Republic of Armenia will apply for full EU membership. If not, the implementation of the aforementioned reforms will still be a strategic achievement for the Republic of Armenia, because Armenia will have become a country fully compliant with European standards,” Pashinyan said.

Speaking about relations with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and a provision included in the ruling party’s pre-election program, Pashinyan noted that the Armenian authorities understand it is not possible to be a member of both the Eurasian Economic Union and the European Union at the same time.

“However, as long as the reforms aimed at alignment with the European Union and meeting EU accession criteria are compatible with membership in the Eurasian Economic Union, the Republic of Armenia will continue its membership in the EAEU and will develop trade and economic relations with its member states,” the Armenian Prime Minister said.