Armenia Rejects Referendum on EU Membership

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has rejected calls to hold a referendum on joining the European Union, arguing that such a vote is not justified at this stage.

Speaking ahead of Armenia’s parliamentary elections on June 7, Pashinyan said a referendum on EU membership would be illogical because the country has neither formally applied to join the bloc nor moved close to obtaining candidate status.

The remarks came in response to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who recently urged Armenia to hold a referendum as soon as possible, insisting that membership in both the EU and the Russian-led Eurasian Economic Union would be incompatible.

The dispute highlights growing tensions between Armenia and Russia as Yerevan seeks closer ties with Western partners while maintaining its long-standing relationship with Moscow.

The European Commission reiterated its support for Armenia, with spokesperson Anouar El Anouni accusing Russia of attempting to undermine the Armenian economy and influence the outcome of the upcoming elections.

Last week, Russia imposed restrictions on fruit and vegetable imports from Armenia, a move widely viewed as a blow to a country that relies heavily on the Russian market as its largest trading partner. Moscow also recalled its ambassador to Armenia for consultations over Yerevan’s expanding cooperation with the European Union.

Pashinyan described relations with Russia as being in a period of transformation, saying his government is working to establish a more open and transparent framework for future cooperation with Moscow.