The presidents of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan issued a joint statement on May 29, 2026, calling on Armenia to hold a nationwide referendum on whether to join the European Union or remain in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) [1, 2]. The announcement came at the conclusion of the Fifth Eurasian Economic Forum held May 28-29 in Astana, Kazakhstan, where the four leaders coordinated their position [1].
The joint statement warned that Armenia's preparations to join the EU pose significant risks to the economic security of the EAEU member states [1, 2]. It said, "We share the position on the need to hold, in the Republic of Armenia, a nationwide referendum as soon as possible on accession to the European Union or continued membership in the Eurasian Economic Union" [2].
Armenia launched a process to join the EU earlier in 2026, following legislation passed in April 2025 to pave the way for membership [1, 2]. This shift has caused tensions within the Moscow-led Eurasian Economic Union, given Armenia's strategic position and economic ties in the region [2].
The EAEU plans to present a report on the potential consequences of Armenia's withdrawal from the union at its Supreme Council meeting scheduled for December 2026 [1, 2]. This report will likely influence how the union responds to Armenia's shifting geopolitical orientation.
The request for a referendum signals the EAEU leaders' intent to seek public consensus in Armenia on a key foreign policy choice that could reshape regional alignments. The referendum's timing has not been specified, but the call was made as soon as possible. The December EAEU meeting will be a key date for assessing the impact of Armenia's EU accession efforts.
