During a conversation with Armenian reporters in Hamburg, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said that leaving the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) is not Armenia’s objective, but joining the European Union is.

“Leaving the EAEU is not a goal,” he stated. “On the other hand, EU membership is a goal. We understand that simultaneous membership in both the EAEU and the EU is impossible, and we recognize that a decision will eventually need to be made. But today is not that point — there is no need to make that decision today. And if there is no need now, why would we make one? When the moment comes, and we reach that point, we’ll make the decision,” Pashinyan said, according to Sputnik Armenia.

He explained why Armenia has passed legislation to begin the EU accession process: “This is, first and foremost, an additional incentive for us to continue democratic reforms and bring all sectors in line with EU standards.”

“The first challenge on this path is building a country that meets EU criteria. When we reach that stage, we will apply for membership. At that time, one of two things may happen: either the EU accepts us, or it doesn’t, perhaps because the EU no longer wants to expand.

But our plan is such that once we reach that point, regardless of whether we are accepted or not, we will have gained because if we become a member, great, and if we don’t, we still win by becoming a country fully aligned with EU standards,” Pashinyan said.

He also noted that he will travel from Hamburg to Moscow, where the EAEU Intergovernmental Council meeting is scheduled for December 11.