Armenia’s Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, in an interview with Deutsche Welle, stated that the country could submit an application to join the European Union as early as next month, though it might also happen next year. “I can’t say exactly when we will apply. It may be next month, or perhaps next year. It depends on many factors,” he said.
Mirzoyan emphasized that a new law adopted in Armenia obliges the government to work toward EU membership, marking a formal shift in foreign policy. “As I noted, this is now our official policy,” he added.
He highlighted the progress made in EU-Armenia relations, pointing to the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement and the ongoing visa liberalization dialogue. Negotiations are underway on additional agreements, with a new partnership roadmap expected to be signed within the next three months.
“We see that Armenian citizens are asking us to move forward. We also hear some criticism from them regarding possible delays and lengthy procedures,” Mirzoyan noted.
On March 26, Armenia’s National Assembly adopted a bill committing the government to pursue EU accession. The move sparked heated debates, and Russia responded with criticism. Kremlin officials have stated that membership in both the EU and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) is incompatible. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk called Armenia’s decision the beginning of an exit from the EAEU.
