EU pushing Armenia to expel Russian Orthodox Church, Russia alleges

Armenia is at a pivotal moment, with parliamentary elections held on June 7 set to shape its geopolitical future, potentially aligning the nation more closely with the European Union over Russia. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's pro-Western Civil Contract party is competing against pro-Russian opposition forces. The election occurs amidst intensified pressure from Russia, which has warned Armenia of significant economic consequences for pursuing EU integration. These potential repercussions include a substantial increase in gas prices, a decrease in remittances, and stricter employment regulations for Armenian migrant workers in Russia. Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) also claims the EU is pressuring Armenia to expel the Russian Orthodox Church as a condition for EU integration, alleging this is part of a broader effort to sever religious ties with Moscow. Former Armenian President Robert Kocharyan has cautioned that pursuing closer ties with the EU, as advocated by Pashinyan, risks leading Armenia to "destruction." Moscow has also stated that an EU course is incompatible with Armenia's membership in the Eurasian Economic Space. High voter turnout suggests significant public interest in the country's potential alignment with the European Union. Counting is underway, with results expected to clarify the nation's regional direction amid broader geopolitical tensions between Russia and Western powers.