United Platform of Democratic Forces

The United Platform of Democratic Forces (Ժողովրդավարական ուժերի միացյալ հարթակ) is a political alliance of four extra-parliamentary political parties in Armenia. It was established on 14 May 2024 and is headquartered in Yerevan.

History
The leaders of the four political parties held a founding meeting in Yerevan on 14 May 2024 and it was decided to create a platform for democratic forces within the country. Participants of the meeting called for the strengthening of Armenia's independence and sovereignty, the continued European integration of the country, and for the government of Armenia to submit an EU candidacy application. The alliance announced it will support Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to ensure Armenia joins the EU and that these forces would criticize all actions that would hinder Armenia's bid to join the EU. The alliance has also stated it is open to accepting other members.

It was established during the 2024 Armenian protests, with the alliance opposing any unconstitutional attempts and dissent aimed at undermining the internal stability of Armenia.

European Union candidacy referendum
On 21 June 2024, the alliance organized and participated in a hearing in the National Assembly regarding holding a referendum on the submission of Armenia's EU candidacy application. The alliance, as well as, several dozen organizations and NGO's signed a document calling on Armenian authorities to hold a national referendum within the next four months. Representatives of the Helsinki Citizens' Assembly–Vanadzor, the Conservative Party, Young European Ambassadors, the Armenian Democratic Liberal Party, the Armenian National Platform of the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum, among others signed the document. During the hearing, Arman Babajanyan, Chairman of the For The Republic Party placed the flag of Europe over the podium in the National Assembly and stated "Conducting this referendum will help deepen relations not only with the EU, but also with the United States." While Tigran Khzmalyan, Chairman of the European Party of Armenia stated "Our flag is incomplete without the flag of the European Union. Armenia is Europe." Khzmalyan also proposed to call the referendum "EuroVote" (Եվրաքվե). Aram Z. Sargsyan, Chairman of the Hanrapetutyun Party, stated "In the EU, Armenia's perception and assistance will change. I have no doubt that the Armenian people will receive very generous compensation in terms of arms, security, as well as economic development and investments."

Following the 21 June hearing, it was reported that many members of parliament from the ruling Civil Contract party agreed with the United Platform of Democratic Forces regarding holding a referendum, with many Civil Contract members supporting the submission of Armenia's EU candidacy application. Arman Yeghoyan, Chairman of the Standing Committee on European Integration, stated "The ruling majority of Armenia is seriously deliberating whether to submit an application for EU membership, and the government will make a formal announcement at an appropriate time upon reaching a decision."

On 27 June 2024, the president of the National Assembly of Armenia, Alen Simonyan confirmed that Armenia's leadership wants the country to join the EU and that it will hold a referendum in the near future. Simonyan stated "Our society has made a decision to be part of the European Union" and "I think that sometime in the near future we will have this referendum and I am sure that our people will say yes".

Ideology
The alliance supports Armenia's integration into Euro-Atlantic structures, including pursuing full membership in the European Union and NATO. The alliance supports fighting any threats from Russia which threaten the autonomy of Armenia and calls for the country to withdraw from all Russian-led organizations including the CSTO and the Eurasian Economic Union. The alliance also believes in tackling corruption in Armenia, protecting human rights and democracy, as well as, finalizing a peace treaty with Azerbaijan and demarcating the Armenia–Azerbaijan border.

The alliance believes that European integration would provide a higher level of security and prosperity for the Armenian people and that alignment to European standards would directly benefit good governance, taxation policies, strengthen the economy, and protect women's and minority rights.

Activities
On 22 July 2024, the alliance will organize a public meeting and press conference at Europe Square in downtown Yerevan to discuss the possible implementation of the "EuroVote" referendum.

Leadership
Key members of the alliance include:
 * Aram Z. Sargsyan - Chairman of the Hanrapetutyun Party
 * Tigran Khzmalyan - Chairman of the European Party of Armenia
 * Arman Babajanyan - Chairman of the For The Republic Party
 * Levon Shirinyan - Chairman of the Christian-Democratic Rebirth Party