Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said Armenia will pursue European Union membership only after meeting all necessary criteria and if the EU is prepared to accept the country, while confirming that Yerevan will not resume active participation in the CSTO.
Presenting the ruling Civil Contract party’s pre-election program, Pashinyan outlined a conditional path toward EU accession, pointing to ongoing cooperation in areas such as the EU monitoring mission, visa liberalization dialogue, security consultations, and CEPA implementation. “Once Armenia meets those criteria, EU membership will become a matter of political decision… If yes, the Republic of Armenia will apply,” he said.
He stressed that even without full membership, aligning with EU standards remains a strategic objective.
At the same time, Pashinyan acknowledged that Armenia cannot simultaneously be part of both the EU and the Eurasian Economic Union but said the country will remain in the EAEU as long as reforms remain compatible.
On security alliances, he confirmed that Armenia will not restore active participation in the CSTO, where its involvement is currently frozen. Instead, he outlined a multi-vector foreign policy, including engagement with organizations such as the UN, OSCE, Council of Europe, CIS, and La Francophonie, as well as potential interest in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
Pashinyan also presented a revised security doctrine centered on “international legitimacy” rather than military force. “Having undisputed… territory and legitimate positions in foreign relations is a primary tool for ensuring external security,” he said, emphasizing mutual recognition of territorial integrity under the 1991 Alma-Ata framework.
He argued that abandoning the Karabakh movement removes a key source of conflict and warned that opposition forces risk reigniting tensions by promoting what he described as a “war agenda.”
Connectivity was highlighted as another pillar of security, with initiatives such as “Crossroads of Peace” and TRIPP expected to strengthen Armenia’s regional integration.
Under this approach, Pashinyan said the armed forces would serve as a “reserve instrument,” used only if diplomatic efforts fail, with a focus on defending internationally recognized territory.
He concluded that Armenia’s long-term strategy is to build security through legitimacy, connectivity, and peace rather than reliance on force.
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