Pashinyan Rejects June 7 Referendum Push on Armenia's EU-EAEU Choice
Updated
Updated · Kyiv Post · Jun 1
Pashinyan Rejects June 7 Referendum Push on Armenia's EU-EAEU Choice
13 articles · Updated · Kyiv Post · Jun 1
Days before Armenia’s June 7 parliamentary election, Nikol Pashinyan said there is no basis now for a referendum forcing a choice between the EU and the Russia-led EAEU.
In a Facebook video, he said Armenia would stay in the EAEU until a choice becomes unavoidable, but any final strategic decision should ultimately be made by Armenian voters.
Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus and Kyrgyzstan had jointly urged Yerevan to clarify its course, warning that Armenia’s European turn could threaten the bloc’s economic security.
The dispute lands amid worsening Russia-Armenia ties: Moscow has curbed some Armenian imports, reportedly discussed mobilizing Russia-based Armenian voters against Pashinyan, and recalled its ambassador for consultations.
Pashinyan’s refusal underscores Armenia’s broader drift from Moscow after he said on May 7 that Armenia is not allied with Russia on Ukraine.
With Russia threatening and the West offering deals, is Armenia's election a vote on sovereignty or survival?
Can US-backed peace deals and investments successfully pull a historic Russian ally towards the West?
Armenia’s Geopolitical Dilemma: EU Aspirations, EAEU Tensions, and the High-Stakes 2026 Parliamentary Vote
Overview
Armenia is facing a complex geopolitical situation as it balances its commitments to the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) with growing interest in closer ties to the European Union. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has stated that Armenia will remain in the EAEU until a clear choice between the EU and EAEU becomes unavoidable, stressing that any such decision should be made by the Armenian people. While Armenia does not want to damage relations with Moscow, Pashinyan emphasizes national interests over Russian ones. For now, the government sees no immediate reason to hold a referendum on this issue, reflecting a cautious approach amid rising external pressures.