Nikol Pashinyan Sets 2027-2028 Goal for EU Membership Application

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced that formally applying for European Union membership in 2027 or 2028 is a realistic goal. Speaking at the Euronews EU Enlargement Summit, Pashinyan described the move as a strategic choice to protect Armenian democracy and diversify political and economic ties to reduce the country's dependence on Russia.

During a meeting in Brussels on November 3, 2026, Pashinyan met with European Parliament President Roberta Metsola to discuss expanding bilateral relations. The leaders focused on active political dialogue, regional developments, and transport connectivity. Pashinyan specifically highlighted the European Parliament's support for granting Armenia trade preferences for a two-year period.

The shift toward the European Union signals a potential departure from Russia's Eurasian Economic Union. Pashinyan dismissed warnings from former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, who suggested Armenia could face a fate similar to Ukraine. Pashinyan asserted that safeguarding national independence is the priority and noted that the Armenian people must ultimately choose between the European Union and the Eurasian bloc. Armenia is currently engaged in a visa liberalization dialogue with the European Commission, which is expected to conclude by 2029.