“I think Armenia’s membership to the Customs Union is not a real obstacle, but it will simply slow down the process”,- so answered Swedish delegate to the European Youth Parliament Katerina Duka to the question of Aravot.am whether Armenia’s membership to the Customs Union will impede the Armenia-EU relations. She does not think that the situation is critical. To our specification of what will slow down the process, Swedish delegate responded, “The reason is political. It mostly depends on what the government of Armenia will decide where to stay: to continue staying in the current neutral position, or to choose from one of the parties. But, in my opinion, Armenia is a Euro-oriented country. Especially the youth are very favorably disposed towards Europe.” Polish delegate to the European Youth Parliament Pavel Vilkos has a negative attitude to Armenia’s membership to the Customs Union. He thinks that it can become a cause of serious problems. “I think it is a big obstacle. For example, now, the European delegates do not know what Armenia’s prospect is: eastward or westward. Armenia needs to clarify its position, because it can not play on both sides.” In response to our question, for example, what will be changed in the relations, what may hinder, let’s say, the Armenian and European youth to communicate as they do it now, our interlocutor replied, “Everything can be changed. For example, if Armenia is westward focused, there will be exemption of visa regime, and I can come to Armenia from Poland without a visa. But, if Armenia joins the Customs Union, it would be impossible, and thus everything will change in all areas.” To the point, we must note that since January 2013, Armenia has unilaterally passed to a visa exemption regime for the citizens of the EU countries.
Tatev HARUTYUNYAN
