Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia Mikhail Galuzin, in an interview with the Russian TASS news agency, gave Armenia a December 2026 deadline for deciding whether to hold a nationwide referendum on joining the European Union or maintaining its membership in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).

“It is obvious that if by that time the call for a referendum is not heard, the leaders will take this fact into account when deciding on further joint steps,” he noted.

The “leaders” Galuzin refers to are the presidents of the Moscow-backed Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) members Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan who issued joint statement regarding Armenia’s bid to join the European Union on May 29 calling for a referendum in Armenia on the issue.

The May 29 statement did not provide a specific date for holding such a referendum in Armenia, merely noting that it must be held as soon as possible.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has repeatedly stated that Yerevan, as long as possible, will continue to cooperate simultaneously with both the West and the Eurasian Economic Union. Pashinyan says that as soon as Yerevan is deprived of such an opportunity, the people of Armenia will make their choice.

Galuzin added that the issue of possible further steps against Yerevan will be discussed at a December meeting of the heads of state of the EAEU member states.

“In addition, it has already been noted that this issue will be discussed again during the December session of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council, when the heads of state will present a report on the possible consequences of suspending the EAEU Treaty of May 29, 2014 with respect to Armenia,” Galuzin said.

The Treaty on the Eurasian Economic Union, signed in Astana, Kazakhstan on May 29, 2014, established the EAEU.

Armenia signed an accession treaty on October 9, 2014, and joined the bloc in January 2015.

Photo: Alexander Kazakov / TASS