Armenian president approves EU pathway, Pashinyan stresses referendum needed
Armenian PM Nikol Vovayi Pashinyan and Charles Michel, a Belgian politician who served as the president of the European Council from 2019 to 2024, accessed on January 9, 2025. (AFP Photo)
Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan has approved legislation related to the country’s potential European Union (EU) membership, according to an official statement from the Armenian presidency.
The law, which outlines the initial framework for Armenia’s path toward EU accession, was passed by the Armenian Parliament on March 26 with a majority vote.
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has clarified that the approval of this legislation does not automatically trigger Armenia’s EU accession process. Pashinyan emphasized that any formal decision to join the European Union would require a national referendum.
The move comes as Armenia continues to navigate its geopolitical position in the South Caucasus region, where it has historically maintained close ties with Russia while also seeking deeper integration with European institutions.
The approval of this legislation marks a significant step in Armenia’s western-oriented policy direction, though the practical implementation and timeline for potential EU membership remain uncertain.
