Armenia plans to apply for European Union membership by 2028

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced on November 5, 2026, that his country is preparing to submit an official application for European Union membership by 2027 or 2028. Speaking at a press conference, Pashinyan emphasized that this initiative is intended to provide the Armenian people with a democratic alternative for the country's future. He explicitly stated that Armenia does not currently intend to withdraw from the Eurasian Economic Union, a trade bloc led by Russia.

This move marks a significant shift in Armenia's geopolitical orientation following a period of cooling relations with Moscow. Tensions escalated significantly after Armenia's military defeat by Azerbaijan in 2020 and the subsequent loss of the Nagorno-Karabakh enclave in 2023. Yerevan has accused its traditional security ally, Russia, of failing to provide adequate protection during these conflicts, prompting the government to pursue deeper ties with Western nations.

While Armenia seeks closer integration with the EU, the prospect remains a point of contention with the Kremlin. Moscow has repeatedly warned that simultaneous membership in the EU and the Eurasian Economic Union is incompatible, creating a complex diplomatic challenge for Yerevan as it navigates its future path.