EU pledges support for Armenian reforms after election

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said on Monday that Brussels stands ready to help Armenia tackle future reforms following weekend elections that returned Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to power.

EU pledges support for reform agenda

Speaking to reporters in Nicosia, the Greek Cypriot Administration, Kallas hailed the election results as proof that Armenians “still chose to have a European future” despite what she described as heavy pressure from Moscow. “We are trying to help them as much as possible on their future reforms,” she added, noting that the vote count was still ongoing when she addressed the media on Monday.

The Estonian diplomat is in Cyprus to attend a meeting of EU defense ministers, where discussions are addressing current security challenges and coordinated responses in an evolving environment. Her remarks came as vote counting continued across Armenia following Sunday’s parliamentary elections.

Pashinyan declares victory

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan early Monday declared victory for his Civil Contract party as ballots continued to be tallied nationwide. With results in from 110 of the country’s 2,005 polling stations, his party secured 57.14% of the vote, according to Armenpress, the state news agency, citing the Central Election Commission.

The Strong Armenia party, led by billionaire Samvel Karapetyan, placed second with 21.4% of the ballots cast, while former President Robert Kocharyan’s Armenia Alliance captured 8.2% according to the preliminary data. A total of 18 candidate lists competed for seats in the 100-member-plus parliament, with pre-election surveys having consistently projected Pashinyan’s bloc to finish ahead of its nearest rivals.

Balancing act between Europe and Russia

Pashinyan told supporters his government would continue pursuing rapprochement with European institutions while simultaneously maintaining close ties with Moscow, including full membership in the Russian-led Eurasian Economic Union. “We will also continue our membership in the Eurasian Economic Union,” he said, referring to the economic bloc dominated by the Kremlin. “We will continue to develop our relations with Russia.”

Questions remain over whether Pashinyan will secure a parliamentary majority large enough to govern alone and push through possible constitutional amendments needed to finalize a peace agreement with Azerbaijan. The election took place against a backdrop of ongoing tensions with Baku and continued Russian military presence in the South Caucasus region.