Armenia has taken a significant step toward aligning with the European Union (EU), a move reflecting its broader shift toward the West. On Thursday, the Armenian government officially endorsed a draft bill initiating the process of joining the EU, according to domestic media reports.

Parliamentary and Public Approval Required

The draft bill will now be presented to Armenia’s parliament. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan cautioned that the path to EU membership would not be swift, emphasizing that accession requires approval through a national referendum.

This development follows remarks by Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, who hinted that Armenia might sign a new partnership agreement with the EU in the coming months, potentially including visa liberalization.

Moving Away from Moscow

In recent years, Armenia has increasingly distanced itself from Russia, with whom it shares a historically close relationship as a former Soviet republic. This shift toward the West marks a significant geopolitical realignment in the South Caucasus region. However, the move has drawn scrutiny from Moscow.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov acknowledged Armenia’s “sovereign right” to pursue EU membership but stated that the country could not simultaneously remain part of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU)—a bloc of five post-Soviet states. Peskov argued that Armenia benefits economically from its EAEU membership and implied that leaving the bloc could harm the country.

reddit.com

‍

The Question of Military Bases

One potential point of contention is the presence of a Russian military base in Armenia. Some observers see this as a potential obstacle to closer ties with the EU. However, Armenia could follow examples like Djibouti, which accommodates both NATO and non-NATO military installations, including bases from the United States. This dual hosting arrangement demonstrates that the presence of a Russian base need not preclude the possibility of hosting Western military facilities, such as those from the U.S. or France.

This strategy could position Armenia as a unique player in regional security dynamics, balancing ties between NATO and non-NATO powers while advancing its aspirations for EU membership.

Challenges to EU Membership

Armenia’s road to joining the EU will likely be long and complex. Only three former Soviet republics—Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania—have successfully joined the bloc. Furthermore, Armenia faces specific hurdles, including its lack of a direct border with the EU, economic dependence on Russia, and existing military agreements with Moscow.

Broader Implications

Armenia’s bid for EU membership underscores its commitment to realigning its geopolitical priorities but highlights the challenges of navigating Moscow’s influence. Whether it can achieve a balance between its historical ties to Russia and its aspirations for integration with the West will be a critical test of its foreign policy strategy.

The inclusion of Western military bases, alongside the Russian presence, could serve as a symbol of Armenia’s growing flexibility and independence in its geopolitical positioning. Whether such a dual-hosting approach will be pursued remains to be seen.