Armenia has formally started the process of joining the European Union (EU). A bill calling for the country to launch a bid to enter the 27-member bloc was approved by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's government on January 9. 

Pashinyan has pledged to hold a national referendum on EU accession, leaving the final decision to the Armenian people.

This follows a growing sense of dissatisfaction with Armenia's long-time ally, Russia, and an apparent desire to strengthen ties with Western institutions.

The bill was adopted after a public petition garnered 60,000 signatures, demonstrating significant domestic support for EU integration.

The petition was organised by a number of minor pro-European parties. They managed to get the necessary number of signatures in a very short period, pressuring the Armenian government to take actions. 

Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan pointed to the EU's consistent political and economic support as a driving factor. "The European Union has demonstrated its commitment to Armenia's security and stability,” he said. He added that deeper ties with Brussels could pave the way for long-term peace and prosperity. 

The shift towards the EU parallels Armenia's growing frustration with Moscow, particularly over its perceived lack of support during Armenia's conflict with Azerbaijan. The Armenian government has openly criticised Russia for failing to meet its security commitments during the 2022-2023 escalation over Nagorno-Karabakh and in Armenia's southern regions. 

Despite the country's political will to join the EU, Armenia's EU aspirations face significant challenges. 

Russia, a key economic and security partner, has opposed the bid, warning that it conflicts with Armenia's membership of the Russian-led Eurasian Economic Union. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov insisted that Yerevan must choose between deeper ties with the EU or its current alliances with Russia. Armenia's economic dependence on Moscow further complicates matters, as Russia remains its main supplier of natural gas and nuclear fuel, as well as a major trading partner. 

The EU has welcomed Armenia's interest in closer ties, but has reacted cautiously to the membership bid.

Officials have recognised Armenia's progress under the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement, which focuses on political and economic reforms, as a strong basis for further integration. However, membership negotiations are a lengthy process that requires alignment with EU laws and the unanimous consent of all member states.

Some EU states, wary of antagonising Russia, may be reluctant to speed up Armenia's application, while others see an opportunity to extend EU influence in a region traditionally dominated by Moscow. In addition to Armenia's domestic challenges, recent developments in neighbouring Georgia are also likely to influence Armenia's EU path. Georgia's accession to the EU is seen as Armenia's gateway to Europe, both politically and economically. However, in November the ruling Georgian Dream party decided to put the country’s EU accession efforts on hold, sparking a wave of protests.