Pashinyan admits Armenia can't be member of both EU and EAEU

PanARMENIAN.Net - Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, during a panel discussion at the GLOBSEC 2025 forum in Prague, responded to an Italian journalist's question on how Armenia plans to navigate the incompatibility between membership in the European Union (EU) and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), stating, “Armenia understands that it cannot simultaneously be a member of both the EAEU and the EU.”

“Of course, we understand that we cannot be part of both the EAEU and the EU at the same time. It is obvious that this is a point on which we will have to make a decision in the future. But it is very important that this decision must be made by the citizens of the Republic of Armenia — of course, led by the government and the National Assembly,” he said, according to Sputnik Armenia.

He added that as long as there is no urgent need to make that choice, Armenia will continue its democratic reforms in line with European standards as far as possible. “When the time comes to make a decision, the issue will enter the political agenda and be brought to the discussion table. We will make that decision together with our citizens,” Pashinyan emphasized.

On January 9, the Armenian government approved a legislative initiative by pro-Western political forces, marking the start of the process toward EU membership. At the time, Pashinyan clarified that this move does not mean Armenia is definitively heading toward EU accession — the actual membership decision must be ratified through a referendum. Until then, a clear roadmap needs to be developed.

Later, the prime minister also noted that Armenia does not feel uncomfortable within the EAEU and has an interest in deepening and strengthening cooperation with Iran. However, he stressed the importance of not ignoring the aspirations of a significant and tangible part of society that seeks an alternative vision for the country’s future.

Commenting on the Armenian government’s step, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk stated that it is impossible to be a member of both the EAEU and the EU simultaneously.