Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has called for a “swift resolution” to what he described as the “urgent issue” pertaining to Armenia’s EU aspirations despite its membership in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).

RIA Novosti cited Lavrov as saying that the issue is urgent because Armenia has already adopted a law on EU integration. At the same time, he noted that the Armenian government has said it does not plan to leave the EAEU for now.

“You know, Armenia has already adopted a law on joining the EU; thus, the issue is urgent and must certainly be resolved swiftly,” he said.

The Armenian parliament adopted a bill in 2025 calling on the government to launch the process of EU accession.

Armenia, a member of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), was informed by its EAEU partners—Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan—that they would like to see a referendum in Armenia on whether to remain in the EAEU or withdraw and move toward the European Union.

These developments come amid growing ties between Armenia and the EU, which Yerevan says do not contradict its EAEU membership at this stage. Russia’s narrative regarding the incompatibility of the Armenian authorities’ actions has intensified, particularly during the pre-election period.

Responding to the referendum proposal, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said on June 1 that there are currently no grounds for holding such a vote, as Armenia’s European integration process is not yet at a stage where citizens can be presented with a clear choice.

“Until the point when Armenia has either officially applied for EU membership or is very close to obtaining candidate status, holding any referendum would be unreasonable,” Pashinyan said.

According to him, such a choice remains theoretical at this stage.

“Today, that choice is theoretical, and putting a theoretical choice to a referendum is, of course, neither very sensible nor justified,” the prime minister said.