In a landmark address to parliament on Monday, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan declared that Yerevan would begin preparations to formally apply for European Union membership, setting the stage for a historic geopolitical realignment in the South Caucasus. The move, which Pashinyan described as coming "in the near future," would mark a definitive break from Russia's sphere of influence, a relationship that has defined Armenia's foreign policy for over two centuries.
Pashinyan outlined a carefully staged process: first, Armenia would submit its application to Brussels; then, it would await the EU's response and discuss a roadmap for accession negotiations; and finally, it would put the question of EU membership to a national referendum. This sequenced approach, he argued, would allow the Armenian people to decide their future with full knowledge of the terms on offer.
The announcement comes amid mounting pressure from the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO), the Russia-led military alliance of which Armenia is still a member. Earlier this year, the CSTO reportedly issued an ultimatum: either remain in the alliance or pursue a path toward the EU. At the time, Pashinyan called such a choice premature, especially as Moscow imposed economic restrictions on Armenia for its perceived drift westward. Russian President Vladimir Putin has even warned of a "Ukrainian scenario" should Armenia pursue EU membership, which the Kremlin views as incompatible with CSTO obligations.
But on Monday, Pashinyan struck a more defiant tone. "I would be very glad if the organisation decided to remove the Republic of Armenia from the Collective Security Treaty Organisation," he told lawmakers, adding that "at least that would free us from the dilemma of whether or not to leave." Nevertheless, he made clear that Armenia would remain in the CSTO for now, until the choice between the alliance and the EU "becomes unavoidable."
Pashinyan's remarks reflect a deep disillusionment with Russia's role as security guarantor. "For two centuries, Armenian-Russian relations have been built on the foundation and understanding that Russia is the guarantor of the security of the Armenian people and the Armenian state," he said. Yet he pointed to the wars with Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh in 2021, 2022, and 2023 as evidence that Russia, "due to its own security challenges, can at times face significant limitations in its ability to perform this role."
"This is where we once again came face to face with the fact that we have failed to learn the lessons of our history," he added, a phrase he has repeated in the past to criticize Moscow for abandoning Armenia during its last confrontation with Baku. The two countries have since signed a historic peace agreement in August 2025, opening a new chapter of economic cooperation, with significant EU and US involvement.
Breaking Moscow's economic grip
While Armenia's economy still relies heavily on Russian energy and infrastructure, Pashinyan is seeking to diversify. In another surprise move on Monday, he asked Moscow to relinquish its monopoly concession over Armenia's railways, which runs until 2038, so that Yerevan can integrate its rail network into international corridors. Potential investors include Kazakhstan or the United Arab Emirates.
Russia responded swiftly. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov warned that Armenia's departure from the CSTO could trigger "deep trade contradictions that will primarily harm Armenia." The threat underscores the economic leverage Moscow still holds, but Pashinyan appears undeterred.
The prospect of Armenia joining the EU is unprecedented. No former Soviet republic outside the Baltics has ever pursued membership, and the move would reshape the bloc's eastern neighbourhood. It also comes at a time when other European nations are reconsidering their relationship with Brussels, such as Iceland's upcoming referendum on resuming membership talks. For Armenia, the road to Brussels will be long and fraught, but Monday's announcement marks a decisive step away from Moscow's orbit.
As Pashinyan put it, the choice between the CSTO and the EU may soon become unavoidable. For now, Armenia is preparing to make that choice — and it is leaning firmly toward Europe.
