Armenian Prime Minister Says He Sees Armenia as an EU Member Within 20 Years

In brief

• Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said he sees Armenia as an EU member in 20 years.
• The parliament has passed a law launching the EU accession procedure, following a citizen-led initiative.
• No accession date was given, though Pashinyan earlier mentioned a possible application in 2027 or 2028.

Pashinyan's vision for Armenia's future

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said Armenia could join the European Union within two decades. Asked where he saw the country in 20 years, he said he saw Armenia as an EU member (Союзник Росії хоче вступити до ЄС: прем’єр озвучив план – TSN) (Пашинян заявив, що бачить Вірменію членом ЄС через 20 років – Espreso) (Прем’єр Вірменії каже, що через 20 років бачить країну членом ЄС – Європейська правда). He made the remark during a discussion at the Institute of International and European Affairs in Dublin.

Relations with Brussels

Pashinyan said ties between Yerevan and Brussels have changed fundamentally in recent years. He described both sides as acknowledging that relations are at their highest level in their history.

Legal step toward accession

The Armenian parliament has passed a law launching the procedure for the country's accession to the EU. Pashinyan said the initiative came first from citizens, who used the constitutional right to legislative initiative and collected the required signatures.

No timeline given

Pashinyan did not name any specific date or term for possible accession. Earlier, he had said Armenia could formally apply for EU membership in 2027 or 2028.

Balanced foreign policy

Pashinyan said Armenia is not moving away from some partners to draw closer to others. He described the country's policy as balanced. He also pointed to talks with Turkey, saying the two countries are close to establishing diplomatic relations and fully opening their border. He said Armenia and Azerbaijan have a historic chance for lasting peace.

Read also

• Armenia Says It Could Apply for EU Membership in 2027 or 2028