Yerevan: Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced that Yerevan does not plan to hold a referendum on whether to remain in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) or pursue European Union membership. ‘We will hold a referendum at the moment when there is an objective need for it. My assessment is that there is simply no such objective necessity,’ Pashinyan stated.

According to Anadolu Agency, Pashinyan’s remarks followed Russian President Vladimir Putin’s suggestion that Armenia consider a referendum on its geopolitical alignment. Putin indicated that Moscow would accept a ‘gentle, intelligent and mutually beneficial divorce’ if Yerevan opted for closer ties with the EU. However, Pashinyan dismissed the notion of a ‘divorce,’ emphasizing that ‘we sometimes confuse interstate relations with marriage.’ He clarified that Armenia is guided by an ‘interstate logic’ in its relations.

The Armenian premier reaffirmed the country’s status as a full EAEU member, actively participating in the bloc’s decision-making processes. Pashinyan highlighted that Armenia’s policy is transparent and not aimed at harming Russia’s interests. He reiterated that Armenia will continue to be guided by its national interests while deepening relations with Russia, acknowledging an inevitable transformation in those relations.

Pashinyan also confirmed that he maintains ‘working relations’ with Putin based on mutual trust. He described their discussions as conducted in a calm, respectful, and friendly atmosphere, grounded in arguments and facts. Pashinyan expressed his respect for the Russian President and Russia.

Pashinyan announced he would not attend the EAEU leaders’ meeting in Astana on May 28. He had informed Putin in April that he would be unable to participate in both the May 9 events in Moscow and the May 28 EAEU meeting. Instead, Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan will represent Armenia.

Previously, Putin urged Armenia to decide ‘as soon as possible’ whether to join the EU or remain in the EAEU, highlighting Armenia’s ‘significant advantages’ in areas such as agriculture and migration within the EAEU. While Moscow remains calm about Armenia’s growing relations with the EU, Putin emphasized that Yerevan could not be part of both the EAEU and the EU simultaneously.

Last week, Armenia hosted numerous leaders, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, for a summit of the European Political Community and a separate summit between the EU and Armenia in Yerevan.