Armenia to stay in EAEU despite push toward EU membership

Armenia’s new government is expected to reaffirm the country’s membership in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), despite Yerevan’s ongoing efforts to deepen ties with the European Union.

Sargis Khandanyan, a lawmaker from the ruling Civil Contract party, said the government’s program would include a provision confirming Armenia’s continued membership in the EAEU, Caliber.Az reports, citing Armenian media.

“As you have seen, Armenia participated in the EAEU Intergovernmental Council meeting and presented its positions. Armenia also actively participates in all EAEU formats and contributes both politically and financially. ... Our status in the EAEU and the continuation of our membership were included in the Civil Contract party’s election program and will also be reflected in the government’s program,” Khandanyan said during a briefing in parliament.

The statement comes as Armenia pursues closer integration with the EU. On March 26, 2025, the Armenian parliament passed legislation initiating the process of the country’s accession to the European Union.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has previously said that Armenia does not plan to withdraw from the EAEU and intends to pursue European integration while maintaining its membership in the bloc for as long as the two tracks remain compatible.

Russia, however, has repeatedly argued that Armenia’s integration into the EU would ultimately require an end to its cooperation with the EAEU, potentially depriving Yerevan of the economic benefits and preferential arrangements associated with its membership.

By Vafa Guliyeva