Macron backs Pashinyan and says Armenia's destiny lies with Europe
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · May 5
Macron backs Pashinyan and says Armenia's destiny lies with Europe
10 articles · Updated · The Guardian · May 5
In Yerevan, Macron told an Armenia-EU summit the bloc would offer visa and trade liberalisation, while more than 40 European leaders gathered under the European Political Community.
He said Russia abandoned Armenia after Azerbaijan's 2020 and 2023 offensives in Nagorno-Karabakh, and urged borders to open fully with Azerbaijan, Turkey and without restrictions with Georgia.
The intervention comes before next month's Armenian election, with Pashinyan facing pro-Russia and nationalist rivals accusing him of conceding too much to Azerbaijan to secure peace.
As Armenia pivots to the West, what is Moscow's next move to reclaim its influence?
Can EU promises replace Russian arms in securing Armenia's future against regional threats?
Will a new US-brokered 'Peace Route' truly end the long-standing conflict with Azerbaijan?
Macron’s 2026 Visit and Armenia’s June Elections: The High-Stakes Pivot from Russia to Europe
Overview
In April 2026, French President Macron's visit to Armenia marked a turning point, publicly endorsing Armenia's shift toward Europe and boosting Prime Minister Pashinyan ahead of critical elections. This pivot follows Armenia's suspension from the Russian-led CSTO after Russia's failure to protect it during the 2023 conflict, leading to stronger EU and US partnerships. However, Armenia remains economically tied to Russia, which actively opposes the Western shift through hybrid tactics and domestic proxies. The June elections have become a decisive contest between Pashinyan's pro-European vision, including opening borders with Azerbaijan and Turkey via the TRIPP corridor, and pro-Russian forces seeking to restore Moscow's influence, with the election outcome set to shape Armenia's security, economy, and democratic future.