EAEU or EU: Moscow Responds to Pashinyan's Statements, Calls for Clear Questions to the People

The Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia, Mikhail Galuzin, addressed Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's statements in an interview with TASS, labeling them as convoluted and contradictory. The issue pertains to a potential referendum on joining the European Union or remaining in the EAEU.

The diplomat reminded that according to Article 205 of the RA Constitution, the initiative for a referendum on membership in supranational organizations must come from the Armenian government. However, according to Galuzin, during discussions on the law regarding the "start of the EU membership process" in 2025, the Armenian side insisted that there was no need for a referendum, as the document was merely a political declaration.

“Now we also hear that the results of Armenia's June elections allegedly already demonstrate nationwide support for the pro-European path and for further implementation of European norms and regulations in the country, therefore there is again no need for a referendum,” stated the Russian Deputy Foreign Minister.

He emphasized that during the electoral period, Pashinyan's statements often contradicted one another. “Let me remind you that during the election campaign, Pashinyan sometimes made diametrically opposed and convoluted statements. At times, he quite openly acknowledged that Armenia has not yet been invited to the EU and that it may never become a member at all,” he added. “Indeed, a lot has been said already, but this does not add any clarity at all.”

According to Galuzin, it is precisely because of this uncertainty that the leaders of the EAEU member countries (Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan) find it important to understand what the Armenian society truly thinks.

“Moreover, not in an abstract-theoretical sense (do you want the EU), but in a concrete-practical sense: are you ready to renounce EAEU membership for the not-so-obvious prospect of joining the EU in the future? Because the formulation of this question will be the most honest towards the citizens of the Republic of Armenia. And also towards the other EAEU members,” concluded the Russian Foreign Ministry representative.