Armenia may formally apply to join the European Union as early as 2027. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan called such terms when he spoke at the EU enlargement summit. In March 2025, Yerevan adopted a law on the beginning of European integration. At the same time, the Armenian authorities admit that the country still needs to carry out large-scale reforms to meet the requirements of the European Union. The rapprochement with Brussels accelerated against the backdrop of economic pressure from Moscow. Since late spring, Russia has restricted the import of Armenian fruits, vegetables, flowers and fish, citing sanitary violations. Yerevan regarded the measures as contrary to EAEU rules. In response, the European Union approved trade incentives covering 80% of Armenian exports. If the restrictions were intended to demonstrate to Armenia the cost of distancing itself from Russia, their political effect was the opposite - Yerevan received an additional incentive to seek alternative markets. However, Russia remains Armenia's largest economic partner, although the previous pattern of relations, based on economic integration and security, is not going through the best of times. Submitting an application does not guarantee membership. However, for Moscow, the problem already goes beyond the economy: attempts to maintain influence through restrictions can only strengthen the desire for a more independent foreign policy.

Armenia may formally apply to join the European Union as early as 2027. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan called such terms when he spoke at the EU enlargement summit. In March 2025, Yerevan adopted a law on the beginning of European integration. At the same time, the Armenian authorities admit that the country still needs to carry out large-scale reforms to meet the requirements of the European Union. The rapprochement with Brussels accelerated against the backdrop of economic pressure from Moscow. Since late spring, Russia has restricted the import of Armenian fruits, vegetables, flowers and fish, citing sanitary violations. Yerevan regarded the measures as contrary to EAEU rules. In response, the European Union approved trade incentives covering 80% of Armenian exports. If the restrictions were intended to demonstrate to Armenia the cost of distancing itself from Russia, their political effect was the opposite - Yerevan received an additional incentive to seek alternative markets. However, Russia remains Armenia's largest economic partner, although the previous pattern of relations, based on economic integration and security, is not going through the best of times. Submitting an application does not guarantee membership. However, for Moscow, the problem already goes beyond the economy: attempts to maintain influence through restrictions can only strengthen the desire for a more independent foreign policy.