Armenia to remain in EAEU for now, says Pashinyan

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has said that Armenia will continue working within the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) until the country is faced with an unavoidable choice between the EAEU and the European Union.

Speaking during a live broadcast on social media, Pashinyan emphasized that Armenia remains committed to its participation in the Russia-led economic bloc while keeping open the possibility of future decisions regarding closer integration with the EU, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

“We are working and will continue to work within the EAEU until a choice between the EAEU and the EU becomes inevitable. Naturally, the decision should be made by the people of Armenia through a referendum,” Pashinyan said.

The Armenian prime minister also reiterated his earlier position that discussions about a referendum on EU membership remain premature at this stage.

Pashinyan noted that Armenia has not officially submitted an application for membership in the European Union and has not yet moved closer to obtaining candidate status.

As a result, he said, holding a referendum on EU membership before any formal progress in the accession process would be premature.

By Vafa Guliyeva