Armenia rethinks Russia ties, plans possible EU membership application

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has said there are reasons not to consider Russia a strategic partner for Armenia. "After the events of September 2022 (the occupation by Azerbaijan of territories near the Armenian city of Jermuk), to say we have a strategic partnership... If we now write 'strategic partnership' in the Armenian government's 2026-2031 program, you will ask why Russia and the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) did not fulfill their security obligations in September 2022," Pashinyan said at a press briefing in Yerevan on Thursday, August 27, as quoted by Interfax.

The government program for the Republic of Armenia for 2026-2031 states that "dialogue aimed at mutually beneficial multifaceted cooperation with the Russian Federation will continue, with a focus on transforming relations under new conditions of peace in the region, balanced foreign policy, advancement, and deepening of relations". Earlier, presenting the program in parliament, Pashinyan described the transformation in Armenia-Russia relations as "a natural process, since peace has been established between Yerevan and Baku," according to Interfax.

On September 16, 2022, Armenian Armed Forces Chief of General Staff Edward Asryan announced that Azerbaijani soldiers had advanced 7.5 kilometers into Armenian territory toward Jermuk in the east of the country. At that time, Moscow and the CSTO did not fulfill their obligations to defend Armenia.

Armenia does not plan to resume work in the CSTO over the next five years and would welcome expulsion from the organization, the prime minister stated on August 24 during a speech in parliament. "I can confidently say that we do not intend to step up our work in the CSTO," local media quoted him as saying.

According to Pashinyan, relevant discussions are underway within the CSTO, and the organization's charter allows for the exclusion of member states. "I would be very pleased if the organization decides to expel the Republic of Armenia. At the very least, it would free us from the dilemma of whether to leave or stay," the prime minister commented, answering lawmakers' questions about the government's 2026-2031 program.

Yerevan froze its participation in the CSTO in February 2024 and officially stopped funding the organization in May of that year after it did not intervene in the conflict with Azerbaijan in Nagorno-Karabakh. Previously, Pashinyan called the CSTO a "hollow alliance" and accused some of its members of effectively supporting Baku.

During his address, Pashinyan also commented on Russia's suggestion to hold a referendum on whether Armenia should remain a member of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) or seek to join the European Union. "Armenia must first submit an official application for EU membership. This is also a process that requires extensive work, and we will likely begin it in the near future," the prime minister said.

Pashinyan did not specify exact dates for submitting the application. However, he did not rule out the idea of a referendum, noting that it could take place after Armenia receives a response to its official appeal to the EU and after a "roadmap" for the process emerges.