Armenia and their parliament have adopted legislation at first pushed by public petition that calls upon the Government to begin the process of European Union membership. A development that may seem strange to some due to their close relationship with Russia, such relations have become strained due to their “big brother” country failing in its obligations in relations to aiding Armenia in relation to Azerbaijan. While welcoming news for many, this optimistic pivot west has a long path ahead that includes the gradual process of achieving EU standards and withstanding pervasive Russian influence.
Mother Russia, 'A Protector'
Russian involvement with Armenia is not a new occurrence. The Russian Empire established itself as a protector of the Christian Armenian population of the Ottoman Empire and Armenia became a Soviet Socialist Republic in the era of the Soviet Union. Today it stands as a member of the Commonwealth of Independent States, a mostly Eurasian based intergovernmental cooperation organization and the Collective Security Treaty Organization, a military alliance lead by Russia which includes other ex-Soviet states.
This along with Russian bases and a general presence in the country for many solidifies Armenia firmly in the Russian sphere. The turning point in this relationship has come with the Russian invasion of Ukraine which has sparked a negative spiral of relations that have only gotten worse. The 2023 Azerbaijani offensive into the breakaway state of Artsakh and failure of Russian peacekeepers to defend against such an incursion has pushed Armenia into a much more western direction since then. The expulsion of Russian border guards in March of 2024 only solidifies the sickliness of this old relationship between the two states as Armenian independence seeks new paths for protection.
European (Hard)Love
European relations with Armenia have only improved. Despite the choice of Armenia to join the Russian dominated customs-union over the European Union in 2013, political relations and economic relations remain stable with the EU-Armenia Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement or CEA being a key brick in the structure of Euro-Amenian relations. There is also Europe’s general economic support for Armenia which has amounted to over $210 million from 2017 to 2020 which is added to by the close trade relationship between both entities. In March of 2024 the European Parliament passed a resolution that confirmed Armenia reaching the requirements for application to EU membership.
Despite this, the process can take decades with its inclusion of numerous assessments in making sure of compliance with the standards of the bloc. Democratic institutions being high in this category of concerns. Armenian democracy has gone through troubled times with the 2018 Armenian Revolution caused by former Prime Minister Serzh Sargsyan’s attempt for a third consecutive term. He also arrested current Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan who led groups involved in the protests and was later released with the resignation of Sargsyan on the same day. Such an occurrence shifted Armenia back in a European direction and despite positive reception from Europe, Armenia’s democratic health still remains a subject of vigilance for Brussels.
Dreams of A Better Future
Armenia’s ambition for EU membership opens the hope of domestic reform. With European standards being a high requirement, the challenge that stands before the country may be steep but one that could result in genuine positive change. Prime Minister Pashinyan has taken a proactive approach since 2024 with the inspection of construction projects and engaging in the public reprimanding of ministers. Though it is to be seen if this ambition brings genuine institutional reform or is simply a dream that is to be stuck in constant limbo. Even with a strong will for such a pivot, the Kremlin’s presence in the country comes as a security concern for the European Union and a growing thorn for Armenia’s seemingly desired future.