Now the EU’s attention is shifting further east, to Armenia, another former Soviet country that appears to be facing a similar choice. However, some observers say this could have long-term consequences for the Armenian people.
The European Union breathed a sigh of relief last week when Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban was ousted and replaced by Peter Magyar. Like the Moldovan election last year, the vote was seen as an ideological showdown between Russia and the European Union. Orban, a longtime ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, will be succeeded by Magyar, who has said he aims to improve relations with the EU.
“Hungary has chosen Europe,” said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Now the EU’s attention is shifting further east, to Armenia, another former Soviet country that appears to be facing a similar choice. However, some observers say this could have long-term consequences for the Armenian people.
A STEP TOWARDS EUROPE
One of the main opponents of the pro-Western course is the Russian-Armenian billionaire Samvel Karapetyan, leader of the “Strong Armenia” party. In 2025, he was arrested along with 13 others on suspicion of attempting to destabilize the government. On the other hand, there are other pro-European candidates, such as Hayk Marutyan, former mayor of Yerevan. According to political analyst Eric Hacopian, these elections are special because a new opposition is being created, not linked to the old regimes and with a Western orientation. If this opposition manages to enter parliament, it could significantly change the political system of Armenia, more than any development since the Velvet Revolution of 2018.
CHANGING RELATIONS WITH RUSSIA
Relations between Armenia and Russia have soured since 2023, when about 100,000 Armenians fled Nagorno-Karabakh after Azerbaijan annexed the region. Yerevan accused Russian peacekeepers of failing to stop Azerbaijan’s military offensive. As a result, Armenia has suspended its participation in the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), a Russian-led alliance. However, the country remains part of the Eurasian Economic Union, and Russia continues to have a military base in the city of Gyumri. The Russian language is also widely spoken.
DECISIVE CHOICE
The June 7 parliamentary elections in Armenia are considered important for Europe, as public opinion, traditionally pro-Russian, is increasingly leaning towards the EU. The favorite in the polls is the current Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, who came to power in 2018 after protests known as the Velvet Revolution. He is seeking a new mandate on a pro-European platform.
According to polls, 72% of Armenians support EU membership. However, the situation remains complicated: 43% see Russia as the main political partner, while 29% consider it the biggest threat. The “Strong Armenia” party warns that rapprochement with the EU could lead to “economic war” with Russia. On the other hand, Vladimir Putin has stated that Armenia cannot be part of the Moscow-led economic alliance and the European Union at the same time.
CONCERNS ABOUT FOREIGN INTERFERENCE
The EU is also getting involved in the process, offering support to Armenia in the face of foreign influences. The first EU-Armenia summit will even be held in May. However, some international organizations express concern that both the West and Russia are trying to influence the elections. According to them, this risks distorting the will of Armenian citizens. Experts warn that, regardless of the outcome, any Armenian government will be forced to maintain good relations with Russia, due to geopolitical realities and security issues in the region. (France24)