Armenia Moves Toward EU Membership with Groundbreaking Government Decision

Armenia has taken a pivotal step toward European Union membership, with the government officially approving a draft bill to begin the accession process. The decision, made public on Thursday, marks the beginning of the formal journey to EU integration. The bill will now be presented for approval to the Armenian Parliament.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, addressing the nation, clarified that while this is a historic move, citizens should not expect immediate results. The process of joining the EU will involve several stages, including a national referendum before any formal decision is made.

Just a day prior to the government’s approval of the bill, Armenia’s Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan revealed that the country may soon sign a new partnership agreement with the EU. This deal could open doors to various benefits, including potential visa-free travel for Armenians.

Armenia’s pursuit of closer ties with the West comes amid a shift away from its historical reliance on Russia. While the Kremlin has acknowledged Armenia’s right to make sovereign decisions, it cautioned that membership in both the EU and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), a Russia-led economic bloc, is not feasible.

This development underscores Armenia’s growing desire to integrate with European structures, signaling a notable shift in the country’s geopolitical stance.