Armenia's EU accession is not currently on the agenda — Finance Minister
29.08.2026,
15:45
Armenia's accession to the European Union is not currently on the agenda, Finance Minister Vahe Hovhannisyan stated in an interview with Shant TV.
YEREVAN, August 29. /ARKA/. Armenia's accession to the European Union is not currently on the agenda, Finance Minister Vahe Hovhannisyan stated in an interview with Shant TV.
"Moving toward the EU means changing Armenian standards. Before joining the EU, we need to align all our standards with European criteria," Hovhannisyan said.
According to him, regardless of whether Armenia ever joins the EU, improving standards is in the interests of the republic itself.
"We are talking about modernizing infrastructure, regulations, and legislative changes. EU accession is not currently on the agenda," the minister emphasized.
Hovhannisyan noted that the choice may arise after Armenia changes its standards and meets European requirements and the criteria for EU accession.
"Until then, there is nothing to choose from." "Work needs to be done to improve standards," the Finance Minister stated.
He recalled that Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan also stated that the country's accession to the European Union is currently off the table.
"Armenia cannot join the EU today, tomorrow, or next year, because standards need to be improved," Hovhannisyan said.
At the same time, the minister emphasized that raising standards in Armenia could also be beneficial for its participation in the Eurasian Economic Union.
"We have also said that Armenia's desire to improve its standards is also beneficial within the EAEU," he noted.
"Moving toward the EU means changing Armenian standards. Before joining the EU, we need to align all our standards with European criteria," Hovhannisyan said.
According to him, regardless of whether Armenia ever joins the EU, improving standards is in the interests of the republic itself.
"We are talking about modernizing infrastructure, regulations, and legislative changes. EU accession is not currently on the agenda," the minister emphasized.
Hovhannisyan noted that the choice may arise after Armenia changes its standards and meets European requirements and the criteria for EU accession.
"Until then, there is nothing to choose from." "Work needs to be done to improve standards," the Finance Minister stated.
He recalled that Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan also stated that the country's accession to the European Union is currently off the table.
"Armenia cannot join the EU today, tomorrow, or next year, because standards need to be improved," Hovhannisyan said.
At the same time, the minister emphasized that raising standards in Armenia could also be beneficial for its participation in the Eurasian Economic Union.
"We have also said that Armenia's desire to improve its standards is also beneficial within the EAEU," he noted.
