Armenia confronts EU criticism and parliamentary dispute over MP mandate

Armenian officials called on European representatives not to interfere in the country's internal affairs and not to back Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, who lacks the constitutional 50 + 1 parliamentary majority. The remarks were made during a meeting with EU Commissioner Ursula Fon De Laye, who also discussed visa‑free travel prospects and the need for reforms before further integration with the EU.

In a separate domestic development, opposition MP Alen Simonyan announced he will not take up his parliamentary seat, rejecting the mandate in a televised interview. The move adds to the ongoing political tension within Armenia’s National Assembly.