Armenia Takes First Step Towards EU Membership with Government Approval of Draft Law

Armenia’s government approved a draft law on Thursday to begin the country’s European Union (EU) membership application process. During a government meeting in Yerevan, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan explained that while the draft law sets the formal foundation for starting accession talks, the final decision on Armenia’s EU membership will be made through a national referendum. He clarified that this move does not imply immediate membership, as the referendum will ultimately determine the country’s future in the EU.

The draft law, which has now received government approval, will be submitted to Armenia’s parliament for further consideration, with discussions expected to continue until the end of January. In response to the move, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Armenia has the sovereign right to decide on its EU aspirations. However, he emphasized that membership in both the EU and the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU), a Russia-led economic bloc, is not feasible, as both organizations operate under different systems of free movement and trade. Peskov acknowledged the sovereignty of Armenia’s decision but also pointed out the benefits of continued EEU membership for the country.