BRUSSELS — Armenia could formally apply to join the European Union in 2027 or 2028, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said on Tuesday, describing the timeline as a "realistic" window for the South Caucasus nation to lock in democratic gains and pivot away from Russia's orbit.

Speaking at the Euronews EU Enlargement Summit in Brussels, Pashinyan said his government has launched the foundational work required to submit a formal membership bid.

"Next year we can be realistic. 2028 can be realistic," Pashinyan said. "We started the process which will bring us to the final decision to submit [an] application for formal membership of [the] European Union."

The announcement accelerates a geopolitical realignment for Yerevan, which has grown increasingly estranged from Moscow since Azerbaijan reclaimed the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh. While Armenia has not yet submitted its formal paperwork, it is currently locked in a visa liberalization dialogue with the European Commission that it aims to complete by 2029.

Breaking from Moscow

The decision marks a historic turning point for the landlocked nation of 3 million, which has traditionally relied on Russia for economic and military security. Pashinyan, who swept to power following a 2018 popular revolution that ousted pro-Kremlin politicians, framed EU membership as a strategic necessity to shield Armenia's sovereignty.

"For our people, democracy isn’t a matter of circumstances. It is a strategic choice," Pashinyan said, calling the EU a core partner in his government's reform agenda.

"Our first intention is to create an alternative for the people of Armenia... because, traditionally, the perception of our society and maybe our neighborhood was that Armenia has no alternative," he added.

The shift toward the West has triggered sharp friction with the Kremlin. Moscow has previously floated economic retaliation, including cutting off gas supplies, and has pressured Armenia to hold a referendum by the end of this year to force voters to choose between the EU and the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).

Rejecting the 'Next Ukraine' Label

When asked about warning shots from senior Russian officials—including former President Dmitry Medvedev, who insinuated Armenia could become "the next Ukraine"—Pashinyan explicitly dismissed the comparison. He countered that diversification is a legitimate exercise of statehood.

"Our goal is to level up, to develop our independence," Pashinyan said. "Nobody could reduce Armenia’s aspiration to be a more independent, more integrated country."

Pashinyan acknowledged that joining the EU would require a clean break from the EAEU, but maintained that the ultimate choice belongs to the Armenian electorate. He also noted that Armenia has been heavily inspired by the European determination of neighboring Georgia.

_{Photo: primeminister.am}