Russian FM raises doubts over Armenia’s prospects for EU membership

The European Union authorities would deceive Armenia over its European integration prospects, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov claimed.

“They can deceive them, and I think the European Union authorities will certainly deceive them. I do not see how Armenia can end up in the European Union, where Türkiye, for example, has been waiting in line for many decades, as has Serbia,” the minister said at the International Youth Festival.

Lavrov’s remarks come as Armenia continues to pursue closer ties with the European Union, including steps toward eventual membership, despite maintaining its existing economic ties with Russia-led structures. 

Armenia’s parliament adopted legislation in 2025 formally launching the process of European Union accession, which the government presents as compatible for now with its existing membership in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) while it develops closer economic and regulatory ties with Brussels.

Russian officials, including President Vladimir Putin, have consistently argued that the two frameworks are incompatible due to conflicting trade rules and standards, warning of economic costs such as reduced preferential energy supplies and potential suspension from the EAEU, and repeatedly urging Armenia to hold a referendum to choose one path.

By Jeyhun Aghazada