Armenian PM calls for national debate on EU membership amid increasing distance from Russia

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has called for a national debate on the possibility of his country joining the European Union as this former Soviet republic in the Caucasus region continues to distance itself further from Russia.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has given new impetus to the expansion of the European Union, which has initiated accession negotiations with Kyiv and Moldova and granted Georgia qualified status.

During a government meeting, Pashinyan stated: "This is a new opportunity to discuss our vision for Armenia's future," confirming that his government intends to "work to enhance relations between Armenia and the European Union to the fullest extent."