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The European Union on Monday condemned what it described as Russian pressure on Armenia ahead of parliamentary elections, after Moscow called for a referendum on Yerevan’s ambitions to join the EU.
EU spokesperson Anouar El Anouni said Armenia had the right to choose its own path and partners as a sovereign, democratic and independent country.
“Russia aims to hurt Armenia’s economy and influence the outcome of the parliamentary elections in Armenia,” El Anouni said.
“We will continue supporting Armenia to handle such attempts of coercion,” he added.
El Anouni said Armenia has the right to decide its foreign policy direction and partnerships.
“Armenia, as a sovereign, democratic, and independent country, has every right to choose its own path and partners,” he said.
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 neighboring Azerbaijan.
The June 7 parliamentary election is seen as a test for Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s efforts to reduce Armenia’s dependence on Moscow and build closer relations with the West.
Armenia froze security ties with Moscow in 2024 and last year passed a law declaring its intention to seek EU membership, angering Russia.
On Saturday, Moscow recalled its ambassador to Armenia for “consultations” over Yerevan’s growing EU ties.
Russian President Vladimir Putin last week criticized Armenia’s rapprochement with the EU and called for a referendum “as soon as possible.”
Putin said membership in both the EU and the Moscow-led Eurasian Economic Union could not be reconciled.
Moscow also said it would impose import restrictions on Armenian fruit and vegetables.
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