Armenia launches EU accession process, faces Russian opposition

Armenia has officially initiated the process to join the European Union, with President Vahagn Khachaturyan signing a law that reflects the aspirations of its citizens for European integration. The law, passed by Parliament on March 26, emphasizes that this does not automatically trigger EU accession, as any formal decision will require a national referendum. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has noted that while the move aligns with Armenia's western-oriented policy, the timeline for potential EU membership remains uncertain. This decision comes amid strained relations with Russia, especially following the Kremlin's failure to intervene during Azerbaijan's recent offensive in Nagorno-Karabakh. Russia has warned that Armenia cannot be a member of both the EU and the Russian-led Eurasian Economic Union. As Armenia navigates its geopolitical landscape, the path to EU membership will involve significant challenges, including economic dependencies and constitutional amendments related to peace negotiations with Azerbaijan.