Russia Warns Armenia Over European Union Accession Efforts

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation warned of significant risks regarding Armenia's preparations to join the European Union, stating that Armenian authorities are pursuing accession without consulting partners in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). This tension follows a March 2025 law adopted by the Armenian parliament to launch the accession process, which President Vahagn Khachaturyan signed in April 2025. Russian President Vladimir Putin has previously informed Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan that simultaneous membership in the EU and the EAEU customs union is impossible.

In response, Speaker of the Armenian National Assembly Ruben Rubinyan defended Armenia's diplomatic stance, asserting that the country has not undermined its relations with Russia. Rubinyan criticized Russian restrictions on Armenian businesses as unfair and unnecessary violations of EAEU rules on the free movement of goods. His comments followed warnings from Russian State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin, who urged Armenia to avoid a false policy.

Rubinyan maintained that Armenia is free to decide its membership in the Russia-led Collective Security Treaty Organization. While noting that EAEU partners have encouraged a referendum on joining the European Union, he argued that such a vote would require clearer formulation and a better understanding of the implications.