Yerevan: Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on Monday addressed the issue of holding a referendum on Armenia’s potential withdrawal from the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and subsequent European Union (EU) membership, describing such a move as ‘unreasonable.’

According to Anadolu Agency, Pashinyan, in remarks shared via a video on social media and reported by Armenian state news agency Armenpress, emphasized that Armenia remains committed to working within the EAEU until a decision between the EAEU and the EU becomes unavoidable. He stated that such a decision should be made through a referendum by the people of Armenia but argued that the current circumstances do not justify holding such a vote, as European integration has not reached a stage where a definitive choice is necessary.

Pashinyan elaborated that a referendum would be ‘unreasonable’ unless Armenia officially applies for EU membership or nears candidate status. He remarked that the choice between the EAEU and the EU is currently theoretical and that conducting a referendum on a theoretical issue is neither sensible nor justified.

He further stated that Armenia would continue its work within the EAEU calmly and steadily, highlighting the potential that exists within the union. His remarks come in the wake of a joint statement by EAEU leaders, urging a referendum in Armenia on the nation’s EU accession or continued EAEU membership, following a meeting in Astana.

The EAEU, founded in 2015 at Kazakhstan’s initiative, consists of Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia, aiming to maintain economic ties in the Eurasian region. However, Armenia’s geopolitical orientation has become a contentious topic within the bloc, especially after Yerevan’s increased engagement with the EU and legislative moves towards eventual EU accession. Russian officials have warned of the incompatibility between EU and EAEU memberships, while Armenian authorities have expressed their intention to maintain EAEU cooperation while expanding European ties.