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Armenian Government Approves EU Accession Initiative Amid Skepticism from Russia
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On January 9, the Armenian government approved a legislative initiative to begin the process of accession to the European Union, transferring the proposal to the Parliament for consideration.
The resolution stated, "To approve the proposal of the Government of the Republic of Armenia on the draft law ‘On the beginning of the process of accession of the Republic of Armenia to the European Union.’ To transfer the government's proposal to the staff of the National Assembly (Parliament) in accordance with the established procedure."
Ararat Mirzoyan, the Armenian Foreign Minister, emphasized that relations with the EU have intensified in recent years, with the EU providing assistance in security, including deploying observers and expressing readiness to support Armenia's economic development.
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan clarified that this decision does not imply immediate EU membership, as such a step would require a referendum. "With this decision, we confirm an independent foreign policy based on our interests, and it fits into the policy of balancing and equilibrium in foreign policy... The Armenian Cabinet of Ministers is not against this initiative, especially since it comes from the theses announced by us," Pashinyan stated.
During a briefing on the same day, Dmitry Peskov, the Russian Presidential Spokesman, expressed skepticism about Armenia's EU accession, noting Yerevan's membership in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). Peskov stated, "Being members of two different organizations, hypothetically speaking, is simply impossible. Here is one customs space, here is one zone of free movement of goods and services, people and capital."
See Also
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