Leaders from Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan have called for Armenia to conduct a nationwide referendum to determine its future alignment with the European Union or its continued membership in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). This request was made during a meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council held in Astana.
The statement, signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, and Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, emphasized the urgency of the referendum.
“We share the position that the Republic of Armenia should hold a nationwide referendum as soon as possible regarding its accession to the European Union or its continued participation in the Eurasian Economic Union,” the statement read.
The leaders expressed concerns over Armenia’s potential EU membership, citing significant risks to the economic security of EAEU member states. They warned that further integration with Europe could adversely affect the economic interests of the union’s countries.
Additionally, they noted that the implications of Armenia’s closer ties with the EU would be discussed at the next Supreme Eurasian Economic Council meeting scheduled for December.
During a subsequent press conference, Putin reiterated his earlier comments from May 9, drawing parallels between the current situation in Armenia and the circumstances in Ukraine prior to its crisis. He stated, “The crisis in Ukraine began with attempts to join the EU. We were not opposed to that.”
Putin also warned that Armenia could face a 14% loss in GDP if Moscow were to withdraw energy subsidies, which would force Armenian citizens to purchase work permits for employment in Russia. Furthermore, he indicated that Armenia might lose access to the EAEU’s substantial market, and Russia could impose restrictions on Armenian agricultural imports.
On May 9, Putin had suggested that a referendum in Armenia concerning EU membership and relations with Russia, particularly within the EAEU framework, would be prudent. He remarked that the situation in Ukraine began with its desire to join the EU. In response, Armenian officials have stated that while Armenia is a member of the EAEU, decisions regarding European integration will be made at the appropriate time.
On January 9, 2025, the Armenian government approved a bill to initiate the process of joining the EU. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan clarified that this legislation does not imply immediate EU membership, emphasizing the need for discussions with the EU on a roadmap and the necessity of a referendum as mandated by the Armenian Constitution.
On February 12, the Armenian parliament passed a bill titled “On the Beginning of the Process of Armenia’s Accession to the European Union.” Subsequently, on April 4, Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan signed the law to commence the country’s EU accession process.
Leaders from EAEU nations have urged Armenia to hold a referendum on its potential EU membership, citing economic risks and the need for clarity on its international alignment. The discussions follow Armenia's recent legislative moves towards EU integration.