“This is a very logical policy because Armenia wants to continue the relationship with the European Union so long as it will not contradict the Eurasian Union Treaty in economic field and as long as Europe is able to take on the responsibility”, so responded political scientist, also Deputy Director of the “Caucasus” Institute, Sergey Minasyan, to the question of Aravot.am of what kind of policy is this, though Armenia affiliates to the Eurasian Union (EaEU), but continues to receive money from Europe.
Note that a day before, the new EU Commissioner for Enlargement and Neighborhood Policy, Johannes Hahn, and Minister of Economy of Armenia, Karen Chshmaritian signed an agreement in Brussels, according to which, in the next three years, the European Union will provide free 140-170 million euros for the reforms in justice, private sector and public administration. However, the amount is given on precondition, which will depend on Armenia’s implemented reforms and the current needs. To our observation of whether Europe in fact still relies hope with Armenia, despite the choice of our country’s foreign political course, Mr. Minasyan responded, “Europe relies hope on us, so do we. Life does not end.”
Mr. Minasyan brought the example of Ukraine and noted what should happen to Armenia if Armenia had not conducted such a policy. To our question that on the one hand, Europe- Russia relations are exacerbated, and one the other hand, in the event of affiliation to the EaEU, Armenia continues receiving financial support from Europe, so whether this is not at risk, the political scientist replied, “We are at the risk zone since the 1991 independence. We are in a region, in which Armenia does not have the luxury to conduct a one-sided pro-Russian pro-European policy. It should not become a theatrical stage, but try to combine the relations.”
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To our observation that European officials often make statements that they were expecting for the Armenian authorities in terms of the new format of Europe-Armenia cooperation, Mr. Minasyan responded, “Hristea is an official and must say what he is obligated by ex officio. Perhaps they have forgotten that after the September 3 decision, Armenia said that it is ready to sign the political component of the Association Agreement, which the EU refused to do so. Now, Europe is thinking of creating new conditions, which could be done on time”. Mr. Minasyan emphasized that Armenia never wanted to make a civilization choice rather than conducted a policy of comparison, in regard to which, Europe had lost the moment. However, Mr. Minasyan believes that new developments are expected in the EU-Armenia relations, caused by the activities of the new European Commission.
Tatev HARUTYUNYAN
