In recent discussions, Yerevan has not signaled any intent to bring Armenia into NATO. Instead, the focus remains on deepening ties with the European Union as part of a broader Western partnership strategy. This stance was conveyed by the Speaker of the Armenian Parliament, Alen Simonyan, who asserted that there had been no NATO discussions within Armenia and its diplomatic circles. The message underscores a clear preference for engaging with Europe rather than pursuing immediate integration into a military alliance.
Simonyan stressed that Armenia is committed to advancing its cooperation with the European Union. He noted that Armenia seeks to modernize its capabilities and security arrangements by pursuing partnerships with EU members and institutions, even as he acknowledged Armenia’s ongoing interest in diversifying its sources of weapons and defense equipment from multiple channels where feasible. This reflects a pragmatic approach to national security that prioritizes strategic partners with shared values and stable ties.
On the broader EU-Armenia relationship, Josep Borrell, the European Union’s top diplomat, has highlighted a shift toward deeper collaboration. In statements attributed to him, Borrell indicated that Armenia had expressed readiness in late 2023 to move closer to the European Union and had since begun practical steps to strengthen those ties, including regulatory alignment and sectoral cooperation. The emphasis has been on building a more robust framework for political dialogue, trade, and modernization across key sectors.
Simultaneously, Armenia’s posture regarding Western security structures has remained cautious. While there is no indication of plans to pursue NATO membership, Armenian authorities have continued to balance their relations with allied partners, pursue modernization programs, and participate in multinational exercises that enhance interoperability with European and allied forces. This approach reflects a preference for a diversified security strategy that leverages EU partnerships while maintaining sovereign choices about defense alliances.
Overall, the current discourse portrays Armenia as actively expanding its European connections and practical cooperation with Western institutions. The government appears to be prioritizing political alignment with EU standards, economic integration measures, and civilian modernization initiatives while preserving flexibility in defense procurement and interoperability. This operating mode aligns with a long-term objective to secure stability, development, and regional influence through broad international engagement, rather than through a single security framework alone. The result is a nuanced pathway that favors partnerships grounded in shared democratic norms and common strategic interests, supported by ongoing dialogue at parliamentary and executive levels, as well as sustained collaboration with European partners and allied institutions.