Armenia Chose Democracy. - Now Europe Must Choose Armenia
In a powerful new op-ed published in Brief Eastern Europe, Save Armenia CEO Dr. Paul Murray issues an urgent call to European leaders: Armenia has made its democratic choice – now Europe must respond with concrete support before this historic opportunity slips away.
Armenia has taken extraordinary risks to anchor itself in the democratic world. The nation suspended participation in the Russia-led CSTO, welcomed EU civilian monitoring missions, and formally committed to pursuing European Union membership. These decisions required profound courage from a small nation navigating immense geopolitical pressure, especially after the trauma of war and the ethnic cleansing of Nagorno-Karabakh.
Yet Europe’s response has remained cautious and procedural. As Armenia’s crucial 2026 elections approach – taking place amid Russian disinformation, economic strain, and continued Azerbaijani aggression – the time for hesitation has passed. Dr. Murray outlines specific steps Europe can take: accelerate visa liberalization, expand border monitoring missions, launch major connectivity packages, and provide clear political language on Armenia’s EU future.
“Armenia has acted with clarity and conviction,” Murray writes. “It has placed its future in the hands of democratic partners who claim to share its values. Europe now faces a defining choice.”