Representatives of the EU member countries cannot hide their surprise of Armenia’s decision on EaEU accession. “Armenia’s decision was a shock for Brussels, because Armenia decided to join the Eurasian Economic Union in an overnight”, such opinion was expressed by Jan Piekło, Director of Polish-Ukrainian Partnership Foundation, in the conversation with “Aravot” newspaper, referring to the last year’s fundamental changes in foreign policy of Armenia. Mr. Piekło was also surprised to find out how it happened that the leader of the Republic of Armenia decided in such a hurry to leave signing of the Association Agreement already on the table aside. Ian Piekło has reached a similar conclusion on this issue. “It was the result of Russia’s blackmail. Using Artsakh as a tool, Russia persuaded Armenia to enter into the Eurasian Economic Union”. Ian Piekło mentioned that he had visited Armenia and got the impression that the civil society mainly is not happy with this accession.
Our interlocutor added, “The civil society representatives in Armenia have their own orientation and the right to vote. But they are not happy with this decision.” Polish politician thinks that leaving Armenia in this situation alone would be the worst approach, on the contrary, it is necessary to seek for new fields and formats of partnership. Ian Piekło drew parallels with the situation in Ukraine, as well. To our question of whether the path chosen by Ukraine was the best, Mr. Piekło replied, “Ukraine is now in an open conflict with Russia, and now, the most important thing for the country is the defense of borders to preserve the country’s sovereignty.” Polish politician reminded that all started when the then President of Ukraine, Viktor Yanukovych, refused to sign the Association Agreement, which was opposed by people and the students began to fight.
According to Ian Piekło, Ukraine is the best example to show exactly what steps people can turn to when the leaders refuse to consider the public opinion. Poland is also facing some problems. Some of them, as conveyed by Ian Piekło are associated with the EU’s political and economic crisis. There is also a risk in the country about the Russian intervention. Mr. Piekło said, “In the event of European Union’s political and economic crisis, there is a security problem with the Baltic countries. Especially since Russia’s ambitions to destabilize the situation in the Baltic countries are observed.”
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