Armenian opposition politician accuses EU leaders of political interference ahead of Yerevan summit

Opposition politician Armen Ashotyan, deputy chairman of the Republican Party of Armenia, on Tuesday accused European leaders of political interference ahead of an upcoming European Political Community summit in Yerevan, sharply criticizing both the event and Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s government.

At a press briefing, Ashotyan alleged that European officials were visiting Armenia “to express political support for the ruling regime,” which he described in strongly critical terms. He argued that the planned summit carries implicit elements of electoral influence.

He further claimed that the European Union applies inconsistent standards in its foreign policy, citing European criticism of Russian involvement in Moldova and Turkish influence in the Balkans, while alleging similar behavior in Armenia.

“The European community has consistently condemned such actions elsewhere, yet is doing the same in Armenia,” Ashotyan said.

The European Political Community summit is scheduled to be held in Yerevan on May 5 and is expected to bring together leaders from roughly 40 countries.

Ashotyan also accused Pashinyan of attempting to turn the summit into a domestic political showcase ahead of the June parliamentary elections, alleging that the government would seek to shield visiting European leaders from direct exposure to public grievances in Armenia.

“Pashinyan will do everything to ensure that European leaders are isolated from Armenia’s real problems and discontent,” he said.

Ashotyan announced that opposition groups plan to stage demonstrations on May 4 and May 5, focusing on a “democratic crisis” in Armenia and issues related to Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh).

He said the opposition’s stance should not be interpreted as anti-European, but rather as grounded in European values such as human rights, rule of law, press freedom, and democratic governance.

“Our message reflects the real state of Armenia today — a constrained individual, a constrained nation, a constrained state,” he said, calling for a return to genuine democratic principles.