Pashinyan named the condition for a referendum on joining the EU

To hold a referendum on the choice between the European Union and the Eurasian Economic Union, it is necessary to at least submit an application for EU membership, said Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan today. Restrictions on supplies from Armenia could lead to the collapse of the EAEU, he noted.

As reported by "Caucasian Knot", the bans on the import of Armenian products into Russia contradict the agreements between the two countries, Nikol Pashinyan reminded in a phone conversation with Vladimir Putin. The latter, in turn, insisted on holding a referendum in Armenia on joining the EU.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, commenting on the phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, stated that the restrictions on the supply of Armenian goods to Russia indicate a de facto "paralysis" of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).

"Now everyone states that this problem concerns Armenia, but the problem is not in Armenia — it is a problem of the EAEU. It turns out that the Eurasian Economic Union is paralyzed and not functioning. If this issue is not resolved quickly, let me suggest that this will be the beginning of the end of the EAEU," he is quoted by Armenpress.

At the same time, the Prime Minister excluded that Yerevan is considering the possibility of an accelerated exit from the Eurasian Economic Union.

"No, we do not have such a plan," Armenia Today quotes him.

Pashinyan also touched on the prospect of Armenia joining the European Union. According to the Prime Minister, a referendum is impossible without a specific subject of voting. Therefore, before it is held, Armenia must at least officially submit an application for EU membership.

"I clearly told the President of the Russian Federation that this referendum cannot take place without its subject. Therefore, before holding the referendum, we must at least submit an application for membership in the European Union," Pashinyan said.

The Prime Minister also reported that Putin has not yet congratulated him on his victory in the parliamentary elections in Armenia.

"Caucasian Knot" also reported that Nikol Pashinyan visited Yekaterinburg on July 6, where he met with the Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation Mikhail Mishustin. Armenia cannot sever economic ties with Russia and the EAEU, but has not eliminated the distrust between Yerevan and Moscow against the backdrop of the rhetoric of the Armenian authorities about the country's accession to the European Union, analysts noted, commenting on this trip.

The restrictions on imports from Armenia were introduced by Russia before the parliamentary elections that took place on June 7, in which pro-Russian forces also participated. The "Civil Contract" party, led by the current Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan, won the elections to the country's parliament. Commenting on its victory, Pashinyan stated that the three-headed party of war has been defeated (referring to the "Strong Armenia" bloc, the "Armenia" bloc, and the "Prosperous Armenia" party).