Armenia seeks to join the EU as tensions rise with Russia

Armenia, a nation in the South Caucasus, has taken significant steps towards enhancing its ties with the West by initiating the process of joining the European Union. On March 26, 2025, the Armenian Parliament passed a bill that calls for the government to pursue EU membership, reflecting a substantial pivot away from its historic alliance with Russia. This decision is particularly noteworthy as it comes in the context of Armenia's fraught relationship with Moscow, especially following the recent geopolitical shifts in the region. The passing of the membership bill was backed by the ruling party, with 64 votes in favor and only 7 against. This strong parliamentary support underscores a growing sentiment among Armenian officials and the public, who have increasingly sought to align with Western nations over the past year and a half. A petition signed by approximately 60,000 citizens last year demonstrated a desire for deeper integration with the EU, indicating widespread public backing for this strategic pivot. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan expressed cautious optimism about the EU candidacy project, but emphasized that the decision to proceed must ultimately be determined through a referendum, highlighting the need for public consensus on such a fundamental shift in national policy. Meanwhile, the European Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, stated that Brussels would welcome an official request for membership, paving the way for Armenia to potentially enhance its diplomatic and economic ties with Europe. However, Russia has not taken kindly to Armenia's move, as it has historically considered Armenia one of its allies in the South Caucasus region. Moscow has issued warnings that pursuing EU membership could have adverse consequences for Armenia, potentially altering the balance of power in the region. As Armenia continues down this path of Western integration, it will have to navigate the complex dynamics with its traditional ally, raising questions about the long-term implications for Armenia's security and foreign policy in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.