Armenia Eyes EU Membership, Remains in EAEU and Puts CSTO Ties on Hold

| News, Politics, Armenia

Armenia will continue pursuing closer integration with the European Union while maintaining its membership in the Russian-led Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) for the time being, despite signalling that its participation in the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) has run its course, Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan noted on 5 November.

Speaking during parliamentary discussions on the government's 2027 budget, Mirzoyan for submitting an EU membership application but stressed that Yerevan would coordinate its ambitions with the willingness of the bloc's 27 member states to advance the process. In Mirzoyan's perspective, submitting an application without prior consultations and a positive response from European partners would be premature. Pashinyan, meanwhile, that Armenia had not begun preparations to leave the EAEU, despite his earlier statements that simultaneous membership of the EU and the Russian-led bloc was impossible. The prime explained that the government was preparing to offer Armenian citizens an alternative integration path before asking them to choose between the two organisations. According to Pashinyan, Armenia's EAEU partners had raised the possibility of a referendum but emphasized that there were currently no grounds for holding one and that certain procedures would first need to be completed.

Armenia has also taken practical steps towards closer alignment with EU systems. The new biometric passport and identification card system began operating on 1 November as part of the visa-liberalisation process. European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos the development, describing Armenian citizens as “one step closer” to visa-free travel to the EU and highlighting the EU-supported introduction of biometric passports to facilitate border checks. Armenia is currently the only country engaged in a visa-liberalisation dialogue with the Union. On 5 November, the government also a proposal to sign an agreement with the EU covering Armenia's participation in the Customs and Fiscalis cooperation programmes in 2027. The programmes are intended to bring Armenian customs and tax systems closer to European standards, facilitate information exchange, introduce European electronic systems and provide training for Armenian tax officials. Armenia's annual contribution is expected to be approximately €80,000. Mirzoyan separately the development of closer relations with individual EU member states, citing the strategic partnership with the Netherlands as an example of cooperation based on shared values.

At the same time, Yerevan reiterated that it no longer sees a future for its participation in the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO). Pashinyanthat the government's interest in the Russian-led military alliance had “run its course”. His remarks followed an that the organisation could invoke Article 25 of its charter against Armenia at a Collective Security Council meeting scheduled for 10 November. The measure, requested in a Russian draft decision, could temporarily suspend Armenia's voting rights and its ability to nominate candidates for positions allocated under its membership quota because of unpaid contributions and continued non-participation. Masadykov underlined that expulsion was not being considered. Mirzoyan, in turn, argued that Yerevan had not formally withdrawn but had suspended its participation without obstructing the organisation's activities.

Despite the deterioration in relations with the CSTO, Armenia remains open to discussing its broader security relationship with Moscow. On 5 November, Mirzoyan including whether it should continue operating or eventually be phased out. The foreign minister recalled that Russian President Vladimir Putin had previously proposed discussing the issue and emphasised that Yerevan had no objection to such talks. Mirzoyan also particularly concerning trade restrictions imposed on Armenian agricultural and other products since May-June 2026. Mirzoyan indicated that Armenia hoped the restrictions would be lifted in the near future.

On Relations with Türkiye, Mirzoyan that direct customs clearance had begun for Armenian-Turkish trade, eliminating the previous technical requirement to process commercial transactions through a third country. Goods still physically transit through Georgia because the Armenia-Türkiye land border remains closed. Mirzoyan described bilateral dialogue as active and productive and outlined plans for the joint restoration of the historic Ani Bridge, student exchange programmes and another Armenian-Turkish business forum, scheduled to take place in Armenia in 2027 following the first forum in Kars. The foreign minister added that the border could open and diplomatic relations could be established at any time. Regarding Azerbaijan, Mirzoyan reiterated Yerevan's commitment to signing and ratifying a peace agreement as soon as possible, identifying bilateral trade as a practical confidence-building measure. Mirzoyan also highlighted Azerbaijan's recent decision to allow the transit of goods to and from Armenia through its territory.

On the US-backed Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP), Mirzoyan pointed out that political changes in Washington would not obstruct implementation. Asked whether gains by the Democratic Party in the US midterm elections could affect the project, he Mirzoyan then pointed out that continued cooperation between Washington and Yerevan would benefit both countries.

In its foreign-policy priorities for 2027, the Armenian Foreign Ministry has identified creating an environment of peace and cooperation around the country, strengthening sovereignty and independence, and developing strategic partnerships with Georgia, Iran and other partners as central objectives. Mirzoyan called the coming year a continuation of the foreign-policy course pursued in 2026, with adjustments reflecting the ministry's expanded mandate.

See Also

"Caucasus Watch" seeks local specialists from Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan and the North Caucasus region. We offer a flexible format of cooperation, competitive remuneration and access to a European readership. Send CV, cover letter and writing sample to redaktion@caucasuswatch.de. Questions: i.dostalik@caucasuswatch.de

Our website uses cookies. By clicking on "I accept cookies", you consent to our use of cookies in accordance with the terms of our Cookie Policy. If you want to disable cookies follow the instructions in our Cookie Policy so that cookies from this website cannot be placed on your device.