Armenian parliament approves start of EU accession process

Armenia’s parliament, the National Assembly, has approved a law to begin the country’s process of joining the European Union. Lawmakers on March 26 voted in favor of the document in its second and final reading, according to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s Armenian service.

“The Republic of Armenia, aiming to develop democratic institutions, improve societal well-being, strengthen the country’s security, resilience, and the rule of law, announces the start of the process for Armenia’s accession to the European Union,” the document states.

Among the 107 lawmakers, the bill was supported by 64 members of parliament, with seven voting against it. The draft law was introduced by the “Platform of Democratic Forces,” a coalition of four non-parliamentary parties and civil initiatives, whose petition collected over 50,000 supporting signatures.

The Armenian parliament’s decision represents a significant shift in the country’s foreign policy. 

For decades, Armenia has been closely aligned with Russia, being one of its most loyal allies and actively supporting Moscow’s integration initiatives in the post-Soviet space.

While the law’s adoption does not immediately trigger a referendum on EU membership, it signals the country’s “political will,” according to lawmakers.

EU membership for Armenia will require considerable time and effort, European Parliament members have noted, as reported by Radio Liberty. The country will need to undertake extensive reforms in various areas, from justice to social policy, to align its laws with EU standards, known as the aquis communautaire.

Russia has warned that starting the EU membership process also means Armenia will begin to exit the Moscow-led Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), as it cannot be a member of both the EU and the EAEU. 

In addition to Armenia and Russia, the EAEU includes Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan.

Armenia’s defeat in the territorial dispute with Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh from 2020 to 2023, coupled with a lack of support from Russia, prompted the country to reassess its geopolitical stance. 

Since 2023, the democratic government of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has gradually distanced Armenia from Russia, sought to normalize relations with Azerbaijan and Turkey, and worked to strengthen ties with the European Union.