Armenian MFA on cooperation with EU and EAEU: Leveraging every opportunity for progress
YEREVAN, February 4. /ARKA/. Armenia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Paruyr Hovhannisyan emphasized the need for a more creative approach when discussing the country’s simultaneous cooperation with both the European Union (EU) and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).
"In my experience, I’ve often heard the word 'impossible' in various situations. The first time this happened was during the situation surrounding the CEPA (Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement signed between Armenia and the EU in 2017), when it seemed that being a member of the Eurasian Union would prevent any prospects for an agreement with the EU. However, we were able to secure a lighter version of the association agreement," Hovhannisyan said in an interview with Armenpress.
He pointed out that while the free trade aspect suffered, 75% of the provisions in all sectors of cooperation aligned with European directives and standards were preserved, and the chapters on politics and human rights were almost entirely retained. The agreement was signed and came into force in 2021 and is currently in the process of being implemented.
"A similar approach was applied in the case of the European Peace Facility. How could a member of the Collective Security Treaty Organization use this fund? This decision was made in July of last year, and it has now become an important tool for developing our defense. Sometimes, it is necessary to approach processes more creatively," he noted.
According to the deputy minister, Armenia’s strategy is to gradually develop cooperation with the EU, leveraging all available programs and sectors.
"When long-term plans are not possible, we must act according to the logic of maximizing all opportunities. When problematic situations arise, we address them at that stage. Currently, our approach is step-by-step, and our alignment with the EU follows this narrative. It is a complex process with various stages, and at this point, the question of what is compatible or incompatible is not on our agenda," Hovhannisyan said.
Previously, the Armenian Prime Minister stated that Armenia does not plan to sever its economic ties or reduce trade turnover with the EAEU and Russia. He noted that Armenia is pursuing economic diversification and aims to increase trade turnover with the EU as well.
On January 9, 2024, the Armenian government approved a draft law on starting the process of Armenia's accession to the EU, proposed by the civil initiative "Platform of Democratic Forces." On January 24, the Armenian National Assembly’s Parliamentary Committee on European Integration gave a positive opinion on the bill. It is expected to be included in the agenda for the next session of the National Assembly (February 11-14).
As Prime Minister Pashinyan stated, Armenia can only become a member of the EU if the initiative is approved by the people through a referendum. He emphasized the need to discuss and develop a joint "road map" with the EU.-0-
