The European Union condemns Russian pressure on Armenia as sovereignty and election integrity come under threat from Moscow.
BRUSSELS: The European Union on Monday condemned any attempts by Russia to pressure Armenia ahead of parliamentary elections, after Moscow called for a referendum on Yerevan’s ambitions to join the EU.
“Armenia, as a sovereign, democratic, and independent country, has every right to choose its own path and partners,” EU spokesman Anouar El Anouni said.
“Russia aims to hurt Armenia’s economy and influence the outcome of the parliamentary elections in Armenia. We will continue supporting Armenia to handle such attempts of coercion.”
Armenia is formally allied with Moscow, but has been building ties with the European Union amid frustration over Russia’s perceived failure to protect it during conflicts with neighbouring Azerbaijan.
The June 7 parliamentary vote is seen as a litmus test for Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s moves to loosen Armenian dependence on Moscow and forge closer ties with the West.
The Caucasus country froze security ties with Moscow in 2024, and last year passed a law declaring its intention to seek EU membership, further angering Russia.
On Saturday, Moscow recalled its ambassador to Armenia for “consultations” over Yerevan’s growing EU ties.
Russian President Vladimir Putin last week criticised Armenia’s rapprochement with the bloc and called for a referendum “as soon as possible”, saying membership of both the EU and the Moscow-led Eurasian Economic Union was impossible to reconcile.
Moscow also said it will impose import restrictions on Armenian fruit and vegetables.
