EAEU Leaders Call for Armenia Referendum on EU Membership
Four EAEU Leaders Call for Referendum in Armenia on Choosing Between the EU and the EAEU
The presidents of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan have jointly called for Armenia to hold a referendum on its geopolitical orientation, specifically on choosing between membership in the European Union and continued participation in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).
The statement, adopted at a meeting in Astana, represents pressure from EAEU member states regarding Armenia's foreign policy direction. Armenia has maintained membership in the EAEU, a trade bloc led by Russia, while also pursuing closer ties with Western institutions including potential EU engagement.
The call for a referendum underscores broader geopolitical tensions in the region and the competing interests of major powers seeking to influence Armenia's alignment. Armenia faces complex diplomatic challenges balancing relationships with Russia, its security guarantor, and Western nations.
