The Government of Armenia Approves Draft to Start EU Membership Process

The government has approved the draft law on 'The Start of the Process for the Republic of Armenia to Join the European Union.' Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan reminded of his speech at the European Council in the autumn of 2023, where he stated that Armenia is ready to be as close to the EU as the EU considers possible. 'I must note that my speech at the European Council was the most interesting speech at that time in Armenia’s political discourse. Why I say at that moment is that now there is a speech that has raised even greater interest, but that is not the essential point. The response among the citizens of Armenia to that speech was unprecedented,' said the Prime Minister. He also recalled the trilateral meeting between Armenia, the EU, and the USA and the agreements reached. The Prime Minister noted that a decision to join the EU or any supranational organization can only be made by referendum, according to the constitution. 'Armenia can only become an EU member if a referendum is called, and participants of the referendum receive votes in accordance with the legal provisions set out in our constitution.' According to him, the adoption of the law should provide a clear idea of actions to be taken before the potential referendum on whether to hold it or not. 'After the adoption of this law, we should discuss with the EU what roadmap they envision and what we envision, and together we should create a roadmap.' He stressed that before negotiations start on creating a roadmap, Armenia has no other actions to take. 'I say this to shape correct expectations within society.' He also emphasized that there is much to be either excited or worried about. 'Through this, we emphasize access to the tools of utilizing Armenia's sovereign rights and that we conduct an independent foreign policy based on our national interests.'