Armenia could realistically submit an application for European Union membership in 2027 or 2028, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said in Brussels while answering questions from a Euronews presenter about the country’s foreign policy, Factor.am reports.
The prime minister also said Armenia had been inspired by Georgia’s determination to pursue EU membership, 1lurer.am reports.
“To be frank, when we decided to adopt the law launching our process of accession to the European Union, we were inspired by the European Union’s decision and Georgia’s determination to become a full member of the EU. We will do everything within our capabilities to support Georgia in realizing its European aspirations, because Georgia is a candidate country. In other words, for us, for Armenia, Georgia’s success is very important, even in terms of how our citizens perceive our European policy and European prospects,” Pashinyan said.
He stressed that Armenia’s ultimate goal is full membership in the European Union.
Pashinyan also commented on remarks by a Russian official suggesting that Armenia could become a “new Ukraine,” describing the formulation as unconstructive.
“I do not think that is a constructive formulation. Armenia is not going to become something else. Armenia is Armenia, and Armenia will increasingly be Armenia, the Republic of Armenia,” he said.
The prime minister emphasized that strengthening Armenia’s independence and sovereignty is among the government’s priorities.
“I mean the level of independence. Our goal is to strengthen and develop our independence, and that is a rightful, legitimate goal. No one can blame Armenia for having the ambition and aspiration to be more independent, more sovereign and more integrated as a state. And, incidentally, there is a very important nuance I would like to explain to you.
“In our policy, as we deepen our cooperation with the European Union, it is very important that this policy does not result in us becoming detached from our region, because regional policy is now one of our country’s priorities. During our years of independence, we experienced a conflict with Azerbaijan, and we have had, or still have, complicated relations or an absence of relations with Turkey.
“Of course, we have always had very good relations with Georgia and Iran. However, there have been and continue to be certain restrictions related to international sanctions and other factors. But, you know, we do not envision Armenia outside its region, because our European policy is not a tool or a means for us to detach ourselves from our region or become isolated from it politically, psychologically or economically.
“On the contrary, and of course we are very pleased, there is a very important nuance that we sometimes overlook: two of our four neighbors are candidate countries for European Union membership — Turkey and Georgia. This is an advantage and a benefit for our European policy.
“Let us hope Armenia will become the third candidate country in our region. But, of course, our goal is not to be a candidate country. Naturally, our goal is to become a full member,” the prime minister said.
Pashinyan also addressed the peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan, developments in the South Caucasus and steps aimed at consolidating peace.
He discussed plans to unblock regional transport and communication routes, implement the TRIPP project and explore the opportunities its implementation could create.
Pashinyan made the remarks during the EU Enlargement Summit 2026, organized by Euronews in Brussels.
