17 Oct 2026
Pashinyan says Armenia ready to join EU without national referendum
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said there is no need for referendum on Armenia's entry into the European Union.
"Holding a referendum to learn the public opinion [on entering into the EU], sorry, but as an official I know the opinion of the Armenian people," Pashinyan said.
Addressing the Armenian Democratic Forum in Yerevan, the Armenian PM said that Armenia is ready to be as close to the EU as possible.
"We have proclaimed our political will for being closer to the EU at the highest level. If I thought that the people of Armenia does not share this opinion, I would have made no such statements, and if the people of Armenia were against, I would not have been the prime minister after making this statement," Pashinyan said.
According to him, a referendum would only lead to further complications and uncertainties, including questions about the EU’s willingness to accept Armenia and the broader implications of the EU’s internal processes.
"If we have a referendum today, we have to campaign. When we go on a campaign, people will ask us questions, starting with how, when, how long, with what steps. Does the EU want it or not? How ready is the EU?’ I cannot answer that question today," Pashinyan said.
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