Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan says EU‑EAEU referendum cannot be held

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan told the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council in Kyrgyzstan that a referendum on choosing between the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and the European Union (EU) is impossible at present. He explained that Armenia has passed a law to start the EU accession process, but full membership requires EU member‑state consent, candidate status and extensive institutional preparation, making a public vote premature.

Pashinyan also urged the EAEU not to block Armenia’s policy of diversifying its foreign relations. He said the country’s sovereign right is to create alternatives and that the EAEU should improve its competitiveness rather than oppose Armenia’s efforts. While a joint statement from Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan called for a referendum, Pashinyan stressed it could only occur after Armenia formally applies for EU membership.