Armenia adopts dual foreign policy: EU bid planned for 2027–2028, no EAEU exit, no CSTO return

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has laid out Yerevan’s calibrated long-term integration roadmap, stating Armenia may formally submit its EU membership application in 2027 or 2028, while confirming that Yerevan will not withdraw from the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) for the time being. Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan separately reaffirmed that Armenia has no intention of returning to the Russia-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), cementing the country’s “westward tilt while retaining Eurasian economic ties” strategy.

Speaking to journalists, Pashinyan acknowledged that simultaneous membership in the EU and the EAEU is institutionally impossible. He stressed that the EU accession bid remains a medium-to-long-term objective. Until that timeline arrives, Armenia will keep its place inside the EAEU to preserve existing economic connectivity with Russia and Central Asian markets. He added that any final choice between the two blocs would be left to the Armenian people via referendum, which he argues would be premature at this stage.

Mirzoyan’s remarks closed the door on a CSTO comeback. Armenia froze its participation in the alliance in 2024, halting contributions and skipping CSTO security activities. The foreign minister said Yerevan would not reverse that stance, responding to recent calls from CSTO figures to expel Armenia from the bloc. The statement confirms Armenia’s ongoing security decoupling from Moscow’s collective security framework.

Geopolitical analysts tracking the South Caucasus describe the dual-track posture as a landmark adjustment in regional alignment. Economically, Armenia retains access to the EAEU single market; on security and institutional governance, it deepens engagement with Brussels through the EU civilian monitoring mission, preferential trade measures and visa liberalisation talks.

The balancing strategy carries inherent vulnerabilities. Moscow has repeatedly pressed Yerevan to make an unambiguous choice between European and Eurasian integration. Azerbaijan and Turkey are also closely monitoring the shift, as Armenia’s European agenda intersects directly with talks on the Zangezur corridor, border delimitation and normalisation between Yerevan and Baku.

The 2027–2028 timeline remains a tentative projection rather than a binding pledge. Its realisation hinges on the outcome of the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process, the pace of EU enlargement and Russian pushback.