Prime Minister: Referendum on Armenia`s EU accession will be held  once concrete details emerge

ArmInfo.  A referendum on Armenia's accession to the European Union will be held when concrete details emerge, as stated by Prime Minister  Nikol Pashinyan to  journalists on June 7.

According to him, Armenia is currently clearly not ready for EU  membership. Pashinyan believes that even if the country does not join  the EU, it will still benefit by aligning itself with European  standards.

Regarding the Eurasian Economic Union, the Prime Minister reiterated  that the country cannot be stripped of its EAEU membership status,  given that all decisions within the union are made by consensus.  Against this backdrop, Pashinyan views the restrictions imposed by  Russia on the supply of agricultural products as "routine matters."

"Dozens of issues related to phytosanitary regulations, exports, the  re-export of goods, and their origin are discussed at every meeting  of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council," said the head of the  Armenian government. He added that instead of fostering a positive  perception of the EAEU in Armenia, partners within the bloc are doing  everything to diminish that perception.  Nevertheless, as noted by  the head of the Armenian cabinet, Yerevan will adhere to a balanced  foreign policy in its relations with both Russia and the EU.

Recall, on May 29, the leaders of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and  Kyrgyzstan issued a joint statement, calling on Yerevan to clarify  its geopolitical priorities. They called for a referendum in Armenia  on whether to join the EU or remain in the Eurasian Economic Union.  The document was presented to Armenian Deputy Prime Minister Mher  Grigoryan on the sidelines of the Astana summit. The four countries  believe it is essential for the Armenian people to determine their  own foreign policy course and choose between the European Union and  the Eurasian Economic Union. Furthermore, a possible mechanism for  suspending the Treaty on the Eurasian Economic Union for Yerevan will  be discussed by December 2026. At the same time, restrictions have  been imposed on the import of virtually all agricultural products  produced in Armenia into Russia.