Armenian Public Opinion Shifts: Support for NATO Grows While CSTO Declines, New Poll Shows

Recent polling data reveals a major shift in Armenian public opinion regarding the country's membership in international organizations. The Gallup International Research Center's Armenian office conducted a survey from July 3 to 6 among 1,100 respondents, highlighting changes in support for the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

Compared to the previous poll conducted in February, support for Armenia's membership in the CSTO has decreased by 10%. In contrast, support for NATO membership has increased by 7%. Aram Navasardyan, director of the Armenian office of the Gallup International Research Center, presented these findings during a meeting with journalists on July 10.

According to the poll, 44.3% of respondents in July believe that Armenia should remain neutral, avoiding membership in either the CSTO or NATO. Meanwhile, 16.9% support continued membership in the CSTO, and 29% advocate for Armenia to pursue NATO membership.

Navasardyan also discussed public sentiment regarding the country's current trajectory. The survey found that 15.2% of respondents believe Armenia is definitely moving in the right direction, while 10.6% think it is rather in the right direction. On the other hand, 23.1% feel Armenia is rather going in the wrong direction, and 28.5% believe it is definitely on the wrong path. Notably, 22.5% of respondents found it difficult to answer this question.

The poll also gauged opinions on Armenia's potential membership in the European Union (EU). According to the results, 34.2% of respondents in July believe that Armenia should definitely seek EU membership, with an additional 22.5% responding "rather yes." Conversely, 13.7% said "rather no," and 19.1% were firmly against EU membership. About 10% of respondents were unsure.

When asked about prioritizing EU membership even at the cost of leaving the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), 28.8% of respondents were strongly in favor, and 17.3% were somewhat supportive. Meanwhile, 15.6% were somewhat opposed, and 21.4% were definitely against the idea. Approximately 17% found it difficult to answer this question.

The survey, conducted via telephone, reflects a notable shift in Armenian public opinion regarding the country's alliances and future direction. The declining support for CSTO membership, coupled with growing interest in NATO and EU membership, indicates a potential realignment in Armenia's foreign policy preferences.