Armenia approved a draft law on January 9, 2025, to formally initiate its bid for EU membership, signaling a potential geopolitical shift. The EU affirmed Armenia’s eligibility in March 2024, while Prime Minister Pashinyan outlined a cautious approach that includes a national referendum. The push for EU ties also arises from heightened security concerns following conflicts with Azerbaijan.
On January 9, 2025, the Armenian government endorsed a draft law to commence the formal process of joining the European Union. This pivotal decision indicates Armenia’s ambition to strengthen its connection with Europe and reflect a possible shift in its geopolitical orientation.
In 2017, Armenia and the EU established the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which became effective in March 2021. This framework served as a basis for enhanced political and economic collaboration between the two entities, allowing Armenia to progressively fortify its relations with the EU.
In March 2024, the European Parliament passed a resolution acknowledging Armenia’s fulfillment of the conditions outlined in Article 49 of the Maastricht Treaty, thus positioning it to apply for EU membership. Subsequently, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced intentions to pursue EU candidacy by autumn 2024. A citizen-led movement further compelled the government to support a draft law to initiate the accession process.
Prime Minister Pashinyan emphasized the gradual nature of the accession process, highlighting the necessity of a national referendum to validate the public’s endorsement. “In the event of the adoption of this law, it is necessary to have a certain idea of actions up to the point of holding or not holding a potential referendum,” he stated, demonstrating the government’s commitment to align EU membership with the will of the Armenian populace.
Armenia’s pursuit of EU membership represents a substantial shift away from its historical alliance with Russia, which has traditionally ensured Armenia’s security. As a member of the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), the Kremlin has raised concerns regarding Armenia’s aspirations towards the EU, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov asserting that dual membership is “impossible”.
This shift coincides with Armenia’s ongoing disputes with Azerbaijan, particularly following conflicts related to Nagorno-Karabakh that have led to significant displacement of ethnic Armenians. The heightened vulnerability felt by Armenia may have been a contributing factor to its decision to seek closer ties with the European Union.
In conclusion, Armenia’s initiative to seek EU membership marks a strategic transition in its geopolitical alignment, reflecting a desire for deeper integration with European structures. The government’s commitment to a gradual accession process, alongside plans for public referenda, illustrates its sensitivity to national sentiment. In light of the existing tensions with Azerbaijan and historical alliances, Armenia’s EU aspirations are both significant and consequential.
Original Source: globalsouthworld.com
