Armenia balances on the tightrope between Russia and the EU

"I believe this move toward Europe is a historic step for Armenia," Varduhi Gasapryan, a young Armenian woman, told DW. "It will bring many positive things," she said while enjoying the sun on Republic Square in Yerevan. The Armenian capital is currently bustling with activity.

Earlier this week, dozens of European leaders and representatives of key EU institutions traveled to the city for the first-ever meeting of the European Political Community (EPC) in the South Caucasus, as well as the very first EU-Armenia summit . This is a strong signal toward the West at a pivotal moment in Armenia's long history. And it is also a signal to the population: Europe is serious, and close cooperation continues.

Geopolitical crossroads

Varduhi Gasapryan, who works in tourism, agrees: "Although the Armenians are a very strong people and a very talented nation, given the current political situation, we need support from everyone, from the European side, whether from the Russian side, or other major powers."

Armenia is located at a geopolitical crossroads between Europe, Russia, the Middle East and Central Asia. For centuries, this position has left the landlocked country vulnerable to foreign rule, conflict and geopolitical influence.

Today, Armenia remains deeply shaped by its Soviet past. 

Republic Square — surrounded by monumental buildings made of pink tuff stone — lies in the heart of the capital. The small, mountainous country, with its population of 3 million, is home to one of the world's oldest Christian cultures.

Europe is getting closer

Blue skies, a red carpet and the anthems of the EU and Armenia welcomed the European Union leaders at the Presidential Palace.

"Today's EU-Armenia summit sends a clear signal of the EU's firm commitment to deepen our relations with Armenia, and to strengthen cooperation across many new areas," European Council President Antonio Costa said.

The new EU-Armenia Connectivity Partnership will focus on strengthening transportation, energy and digital links.

"For Armenia, the path toward Europe is a balancing act," Jakob Wöllenstein, the head of the Belarus office of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, a German political foundation, told DW. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is steering his country very cautiously and only step by step toward the West, he said. "Armenia does not want to break with Russia prematurely as it cannot afford to do so," he added, explaining that economic and security ties to the Russian government in Moscow were too close. Armenia was trying, at the same time, to maintain good relations with its neighbors and not alienate any of them, while still orienting itself clearly to the West.

Armenians disappointed with Russia

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Multi-track foreign policy

"I think this is proof of Armenian foreign policy diversification," Benyamin Poghosyan of the APRI Institute for Applied Policy Research in Armenia told DW. Armenia is seeking "to add new partners and new friends to the list of countries with whom it has excellent relations and in this case, the European Union," he said, underlining that individual European countries were also important.

Furthermore, the normalization of ties with Armenia's neighbors Azerbaijan and Turkey is also part of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's strategy.

"That these summits are happening just a month before the parliamentary elections [on June 7, 2026] is a significant factor," said Tigran Grigoryan, director of the Regional Center for Democracy and Security in Yerevan. "It also shows that Armenia has already become the most important partner for the EU in the South Caucasus," he told DW. In his view, he said, the EU was sending a signal to the Armenian public that "this government is the one we want to work wit. It would be good if this government gets reelected."

Rising pressure from Russia

As Armenia prepares for the final stretch of the election campaign, cyberattacksand disinformation campaigns are on the rise, particularly from Russia. The EU has already sent specialists to help Armenia counter these threats. "The only legitimate source of power in this country is the Armenian people's will," said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

"Recently, we have seen increasing signs that Russia is prepared to use tougher measures against Armenia," Grigoryan warned. Last month, Armenia had received many threats from Russia, he added. "The goal of Armenia's integration into the European Union is being questioned by Russia." 

Meanwhile, public sentiment has shifted dramatically. Polls show a clear pro-EU support and declining support for Russia.

EU accession remains a distant goal

One thing is clear, however: EU accession is still a long way off. Armenia has not yet applied for membership of the bloc, and the accession process could take decades. Nevertheless, the country intends to pursue this path toward the EU.

"This is a very good and additional incentive for us to breathe new life into democratic, and, more generally, institutional reforms, to reach as quickly as possible the status of a country that meets the European Union's standards," Prime Minister Pashinyan said.

Meanwhile, at the Khor Virap Monastery, a key place for Armenian Christianity located some 40 kilometers (27 miles) away from Yerevan, the excitement of the capital cannot be felt. Laura Hayrapetyan sits with her husband, Arsen Khosteghyan, on the monastery walls and says that she supports the move toward Europe: "For me, for the entire Armenian people, this seems like a good thing that brings new opportunities."

"We also want to have good relations with the Russian people so that positive things can come of it," adds her husband. "We've lived side by side for 100 years, and I hope that we can live in harmony with all nations of the world."

Armenia hosts European Political Community summit

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This article was originally published in German.