Newspaper: Internal rift in Pashinyan’s team over EU membership project

A significant faction within Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s team is reportedly against the country’s EU membership project, labelling it a risky venture. 

The Yerevan-based Hraparak daily has revealed details of internal discord and external pressures surrounding the initiative, per Caliber.Az.

“Threats coming from Russia after the approval of the EU membership project have worried Nikol Pashinyan, who a few days ago organised a discussion with executive and legislative officials in Ijevan, asking them to point out ways to overcome the expected heavy blow to Armenia's economy, while stating that they cannot back down and refuse to accept the EU project,” the newspaper reported.

Despite the government’s approval of the draft EU membership decision, Hraparak noted that it has not been included in the agenda of the spring parliamentary session, which begins on January 20. “The EU membership project was not included in the agenda of the first meeting of the spring parliamentary session, which starts already on Monday, although it has been in parliament since the end of last year,” the daily wrote.

The paper highlighted opposition within the ruling faction itself: “There is a large group of MPs in the ruling faction who oppose the adoption of this draft, considering it ‘an adventure with dangerous consequences.’”

The draft has also been a subject of ridicule in Russia. Hraparak pointed out: “The text of the draft has become the subject of jokes in the State Duma, where they are simply amazed at the level of illiteracy and shallowness of those who are striving to go to Europe.”

On January 9, the Armenian government approved a draft decision to initiate the process of EU accession. Prime Minister Pashinyan clarified that this does not mean immediate membership but is a preparatory step for a possible referendum. "This does not mean Armenia's membership in the European Union in the literal sense of the word, as the decision on this issue can be made only through a referendum,” Pashinyan explained during a government meeting.

Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, who presented the draft, emphasized its importance in aligning with citizens' aspirations for EU membership and fostering an environment for further discussions.

The Platform of Democratic Forces, a coalition of pro-Western political groups, spearheaded the EU accession referendum initiative, collecting 60,000 signatures by October 25, 2024, surpassing the required threshold. 

By Tamilla Hasanova