Armenia Abandons EU Referendum Plan After Law Passage

Armenia will not abandon the law on the start of accession to the European Union, said Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan at a briefing.

Consensus

Armenia has passed a law initiating the process of joining the European Union.
The law was supported by civil society and was not seen as violating Armenia's obligations to Russia or the EAEС.
Armenia has not informed its partners about plans to exit the EAEС.
The decision to pursue EU accession does not imply dissatisfaction with the EAEС or with Russia.
A meeting between Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Russian President Vladimir Putin took place in Bishkek during the SCO summit.
Putin emphasized that Armenia should allow its people to choose on the EU issue, suggesting a referendum to close the matter.
Pashinian acknowledged that a concrete choice will eventually need to be made.

Pashinian stated that the decision to join the EU was approved by civil society and could not be made by force. — vedomosti
The EU has approved a two-year tariff exemption for 80% of goods from Armenia. — kommersant
Pashinian explicitly stated that the adoption of the law meant a de facto rejection of the referendum idea, as the law was initiated by civil society and could have led to a referendum if rejected by parliament. — vesti
Pashinyan said the law was adopted partly to avoid holding a referendum and to ensure Armenia has alternatives in foreign policy. — interfax
Pashinian stated that Armenia currently has no intention of leaving the EAEС. — vm
Pashinian said Armenia has rejected the idea of holding a referendum on EU membership after passing the law. — tg_tass_agency