On March 26, the Armenian Parliament approved the bill “On starting the process of accession of the Republic of Armenia to the European Union” in its second and final reading.

On January 9, 2025, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced that the Armenian government approved a bill to initiate the country’s accession process to the European Union (EU). The proposal, titled “On Initiating the Process of the Republic of Armenia’s Membership in the European Union,” was submitted to parliament by Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan for consideration and a final decision. According to Prime Minister Pashinyan, any decision to join the EU would ultimately require a nationwide referendum.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov characterized Armenia’s decision to launch an EU accession bid as the country’s “sovereign right,” but cautioned that Armenia cannot simultaneously remain part of two different organizations. “What does this EU membership mean? It is difficult to say right now, because, of course, it is impossible to be a member of two different organizations, hypothetically speaking,” Peskov added.

Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chair of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, also responded to Armenia’s move, remarking that “Armenia can apply directly to the EU, where they like to help candidates for paradise with money and weapons,” and alluding to the EU’s ongoing support for Ukraine. He further suggested that Prime Minister Pashinyan might still remember Armenia’s membership in the Russian-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO).

In an interview with News.az, several political analysts offered insights into the implications of Armenia’s decision: