Pashinyan gave Putin no specific timeline for EU referendum, Peskov says

Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan did not provide a specific timeline for holding a referendum on Armenia’s potential membership in the European Union during a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters, according to TASS.

“No, no specific timeline was mentioned,” Peskov said when asked whether Pashinyan had outlined a possible date for the referendum.

“Nevertheless, during the conversation, the need to hold such a referendum as soon as possible was emphasized. This is very important,” the Kremlin spokesperson added.

During a phone conversation on July 27, Pashinyan and Putin exchanged views on the Armenia-Russia relationship, with a focus on issues arising in bilateral economic cooperation.

Regarding a possible referendum in Armenia on joining the European Union — referenced in a joint statement adopted by the leaders of four EAEU member states on May 29 — Pashinyan said that such a vote would be practically possible only after Armenia formally applies for EU membership and the issue becomes a concrete matter of discussion.