Expert: Compliance with EU standards can bring benefits to Armenia even without membership

YEREVAN, July 22. /ARKA/. In certain cases, desires must match capabilities and vice versa. This was stated by the head of the Armenian branch of the CIS Institute, Alexander Markarov, answering a question about the prospects for Armenia's membership in the EU.

"We must remember the requirements to become an EU candidate country. Then all EU member countries must give their consent for the country to become a member of the European Union," Markarov noted during a public discussion on the Public Television of Armenia.

He asked what would happen if Armenia does not become an EU member, but meets the standards it aspires to.

"That is, to some extent, this is a win-win option. We will try to bring all areas into compliance (with European standards - ed.). In any case, we will achieve certain standards that today correspond to the desired level," Markarov said.

On March 26, 2025, the National Assembly of Armenia approved a draft law on the beginning of the country's accession to the European Union. On April 4, the law was signed by Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan. As stated by the head of the NA Commission on European Integration, Arman Egoyan, this bill simply expresses the will of the Armenian people; at the moment, the submission of an application for membership of the republic in the EU is not envisaged. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that Armenia could become a member of the European Union in 20 years.