Armenia’s National Assembly approved the government’s 2026–2031 programme on August 25, with 63 lawmakers from the ruling Civil Contract party voting in favor and 24 from the opposition Strong Armenia faction voting against. The opposition Armenia faction boycotted the vote.

Presenting the programme, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan described the June 7 parliamentary election as a turning point that ushered Armenia into what he calls the “Fourth Republic,” based on his “Real Armenia” vision.

The programme places the institutionalization of peace with Azerbaijan and normalization with Türkiye among the government’s main foreign-policy priorities. It also calls for deeper strategic relations with the EU, the United States, Iran and Georgia, alongside what it describes as multifaceted cooperation with Russia. Pashinyan also presented his “balanced and balancing” foreign policy as a means of reducing external imbalances and strengthening Armenia’s position through regionalization. He has highlighted closer ties with neighboring countries and expanding strategic partnerships with the US, EU, France and other states as evidence of this approach. The programme identifies Armenia’s European integration as a priority. 

The document also addresses the unresolved issue of Armenia’s Constitution, which has become part of the discussions surrounding the country’s peace process with Azerbaijan. Armenian authorities have maintained that any constitutional changes are being pursued based on Armenia’s own needs and have not been discussed with anyone outside the country. Strong Armenia party has described the Declaration of Independence as a cornerstone of statehood and a historical legacy that stands above the political agenda of any government, while the Dashnaktsutyun movement has emphasized the importance of preserving Armenia’s independence, sovereignty and statehood. During a parliamentary session, MP Aram Manukyan also read the Declaration of Independence and called it the “birth certificate” of the country.

On security, the programme states that the Armenian armed forces will not operate outside the country’s internationally recognized borders except as part of international missions. The government also plans to continue the transition toward a professional army and strengthen the military reserve. Pashinyan acknowledged continuing problems in the military, including suicides, incitement to suicide and homicides. He pointed out the government has established an interministerial working group and is preparing what he described as radical measures to address the problem, including changes to the organization and culture of military service.

The programme places particular emphasis on energy diversification. Armenia plans to select the technology for a new nuclear power plant by the end of 2027, while renewable energy and storage capacity are also expected to expand significantly.

The government’s programme includes a controversial section on “Spiritual Security,” which calls for reforms to the Armenian Apostolic Church and provides for the removal of Catholicos Karekin II and the election of a new church leader. Pashinyan stated that he was willing to discuss the reform agenda with Karekin II if he accepted the government’s proposed changes.

While presenting the strategy, Pashinyan repeatedly referred to Catholicos Karekin II by his secular name, Ktrij Nersisyan, prompting opposition lawmakers to bang on their desks in protest. Members of the opposition subsequently left the parliamentary chamber as Pashinyan continued to use the name.

Peace with Azerbaijan is also tied to Pashinyan’s broader concept of Armenia’s future. Armenian prime minister remarked that lasting peace requires both Armenia and Azerbaijan to move away from territorial claims and narratives concerning displaced populations. He called for an end to discussions in Armenia about returning Armenians to Nagorno-Karabakh and in Azerbaijan about the return of “Western Azerbaijanis,” arguing that both sides should focus on peaceful coexistence.

Pashinyan also identified the TRIPP project and the broader “Crossroads of Peace” initiative as key elements of Armenia’s external security and economic strategy. He argued that greater regional interconnectedness would make Armenia an important part of international supply chains and create stronger incentives for regional stability.

The programme consequently combines Pashinyan’s post-election political vision with a broader agenda of peace-building, European integration, regional connectivity, institutional reform and economic development, while maintaining working relations with Russia and other existing partners.