Uncertain journey towards Europe for Armenia
Armenia's political and societal landscape has shown a strong inclination towards European Union (EU) membership, as evidenced by the adoption of the EU Integration Act in early 2025 [1][3][4]. This legislation officially endorses Armenia's accession to the EU and mandates the government to initiate the membership process.
President Vahagn Khachaturyan signed this bill into law on April 4, 2025, marking a significant step in embedding European integration into Armenian legislation [1][3]. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has publicly expressed Armenia's readiness to approach the EU as far as possible, and officials emphasize strong societal aspirations towards Europe [5].
This political determination to pivot away from Russia's traditional influence and align more closely with the West is evident. Armenia's move reflects a strategic recalibration in foreign policy towards a "balanced and balancing" approach, but with a pronounced tilt towards Europe [2].
The Armenian public's perception of Russia has changed in recent years, with many losing trust due to the inability of Russian peacekeeping troops to protect Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh [6]. This decrease in popularity of Russia among the Armenian population is reflected in the fact that only 30% of Armenians trust the EU, while 42% distrust it [7].
Despite this, nearly half of the Armenian population supports EU membership, according to a June 2025 survey by the International Republican Institute (IRI) [8]. This support is not confined to urban areas; older people in rural areas are more likely to support EU membership compared to younger, better-educated people in urban areas [9].
Armenia and the EU signed a Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement in 2017 to advance economic, legal, and political cooperation [10]. EU officials, including European Commissioner Marta Kos and High Representative Kaja Kallas, have welcomed Armenia’s legislative commitment and ongoing negotiation efforts with the EU [1].
However, the path to EU membership remains complex, given geopolitical challenges, regional conflicts, and the need to meet EU accession criteria [5]. Armenia is engaged in a complex geopolitical balancing act, aiming to build diversified and balanced relations with the EU, the US, and Russia without fully breaking away from Russia's influence.
In 2023, the EU deployed a civilian observer mission to the Armenian side of the border with Azerbaijan [2]. Armenia ranked well in the Reporters Without Borders Press Freedom Index 2025, placing ahead of EU countries like Italy, Slovakia, and Greece [11].
Despite some discouraging signs of democratization, Armenians are significantly disillusioned with democracy [6]. Freedom House only classifies Armenia as partially free regarding general freedoms. However, this has not deterred the Armenian public from expressing their support for EU membership, with 44% in favour and 27% opposed [4].
In conclusion, Armenia's political and societal stance strongly favours EU membership, officially making European integration a national priority. This shift towards Europe has significant implications for Armenia’s future in terms of security, economic development, and broader alignment with Western institutions. However, the road to EU membership is complex and fraught with challenges that Armenia must navigate carefully.
References: 1. Armenia's EU ambitions: a timeline 2. Armenia: Balancing Act 3. Armenia's EU integration bill becomes law 4. Armenia: EU membership opinion polls 5. Armenia's EU membership: Challenges and Opportunities 6. Armenia's democracy: Encouraging signs, but still disillusioned 7. Trust in the EU in Armenia 8. Armenia: EU membership support grows, survey shows 9. No classic urban-rural divide in Armenia regarding EU membership 10. Armenia-EU: Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement 11. Armenia ranks 56th in Reporters Without Borders Press Freedom Index 2025
- The official endorsement of Armenia's accession to the EU, as outlined in the EU Integration Act of 2025, indicates a significant policy-and-legislation shift towards Europe.
- Armenia's migration towards the EU is not just a political decision; it is also a societal move reflecting the aspirations of a large portion of the general-news-reading public.
- Despite the complexities and challenges posed by war-and-conflicts and regional politics, Armenia's determination to join the EU is powered by a strong public desire for change and integration with Western institutions.
