Armenian Parliament approves bill to begin EU accession process

The Armenian Parliament has adopted a bill in its second and final reading, officially starting the process for Armenia’s potential accession to the European Union.

The bill passed with strong support, as 64 members of parliament voted in favor, 7 voted against, and there were no abstentions, Caliber.Az reports via Armenian media.

However, the opposition "Hayastan" faction refrained from participating in the vote, while the "I Have Honour" faction voted against the bill.

This legislative initiative was spearheaded by a coalition of public and political organizations, which gathered over 60,000 signatures from citizens, exceeding the constitutional requirement of 50,000 signatures needed to submit such a bill to parliament.

Opposition groups, however, have been critical of the bill, arguing that it lacks a clear action plan, and pointing out that EU officials have reacted less enthusiastically than anticipated. The opposition also expressed concerns that the move may lack sufficient details on how Armenia would navigate its future relationship with the EU.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan clarified earlier that the passage of the bill does not automatically imply Armenia’s membership in the EU, as such a decision would require a national referendum. He added that while Armenia currently benefits from its position in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and values its relations with Iran, there is also a segment of the population that seeks to align the country with European institutions for its future prospects.

Prior to this, the Kremlin had also weighed in on the decision, with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk stating that it is impossible for Armenia to be a member of both the EAEU and the EU simultaneously. 

Overchuk commented that the discussion of the bill could signal Armenia’s gradual withdrawal from the EAEU. He further warned that severing ties with the EAEU would have significant economic consequences for Armenia, including a rise in energy and food prices, as well as a potential 70–80% drop in exports of Armenian goods. Overchuk emphasized that this shift would negatively impact ordinary Armenians, leading to job losses, higher living costs, and an increased risk of depopulation. 

He added, "It is becoming increasingly clear that EAEU membership is a privilege," and compared EU accession to purchasing a ticket for the "Titanic," given the economic and social difficulties facing the EU.

By Tamilla Hasanova