Russia urges Armenia to hold referendum on EU membership

Russia has issued a call for Armenia to hold a national referendum by December 2026 to decide whether the country will pursue closer ties with the European Union or remain within the Russian-led Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin stated that EAEU leaders will review Armenia's status during their Supreme Eurasian Economic Council meeting in December. Galuzin warned that if Yerevan does not respond to the call for a referendum, EAEU leaders will consider “appropriate further joint steps” regarding Armenia's membership. This follows a May 29 joint statement from the leaders of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan regarding Armenia's European ambitions.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has previously expressed conflicting views on the matter, noting that a referendum is currently difficult because there is no specific subject for the vote. Pashinyan suggested that a public decision should only follow an official application to the EU and a clearer perspective on the accession process. Additionally, tensions persist regarding Armenia's participation in the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), as the country has frozen its involvement and ceased membership payments.