Pashinyan on EU integration: Armenia’s strategic goal is to create alternatives for its people

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has said that Armenia’s prospects of joining the European Union depend both on the EU’s enlargement policy and on the decision of the Armenian people.

The Armenian government’s strategic goal is to create alternatives for the country and its people, Pashinyan said in an interview with RFI’s Armenian service, when asked whether Armenia’s ultimate goal is EU membership and within what timeframe it could be achieved.

The Prime Minister recalled that in 2025, a law on launching the process of Armenia’s accession to the European Union was adopted through a civic initiative.

At the same time, he stressed that a country’s desire to join is not enough; the European Union must likewise decide on its enlargement.

“Our goal is for the people of Armenia to be able to decide whether Armenia remains a member of the Eurasian Economic Union, becomes a member of the European Union, or is a member of neither the European Union nor the Eurasian Economic Union. In any case, we will reform the Republic of Armenia to bring it into line with European Union standards,” Pashinyan said.

According to him, if Armenia is fully and objectively ready for EU membership, the issue will once again depend on both sides: the European Union’s willingness to admit Armenia and the vote of the Armenian people.

Pashinyan also stressed that having a state that meets European standards would be beneficial for Armenia even if the country does not become an EU member.