On April 3 “The new EU policy in the South Caucasus: safeguarding security through connectivity and energy” round table discussion took place in the European Parliament, at the initiative of the European Liberal Forum (ELF) and under the auspices of MEP Nathalie Loiseau, Chair of the EP Security and Defence Subcommittee (SEDE). Ambassador of Armenia in Brussels Tigran Balayan also participated at the event.
In his speech, MEP Loiseau mentioned that although Armenia is facing security, economic and energy challenges, the country has chosen the irreversible path of democracy and reforms. She welcomed the latest resolution adopted by the European Parliament, which referred to the qualitatively new level of relations between Armenia and the European Union and the further integration of Armenia into the EU.
In his speech, Ambassador Balayan noted that if all the countries of the South Caucasus showcase political will, the connectivity and cooperation in the energy sector can become a starting point, similar to the project of the European Coal and Steel Community, for the given region. In this context, Tigran Balayan added that as long as the warmongering and dictatorial worldview dominates in Baku, along with the policy of ignoring the international law and legally binding decisions of the International Court of Justice, this vision is not feasible. The Ambassador of Armenia pointed out the need for the EU executive bodies to adopt a more consistent policy towards Azerbaijan.
Ambassador Balayan also referred to the importance of the Eastern Partnership format for Armenia and presented in detail the “Crossroads of Peace” project initiated by the Government of Armenia.
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A number of analysts from research centers, non-governmental organizations and foundations were also present at the discussion, they unanimously insisted that Azerbaijan should be deterred, and the EU should adopt a more concrete stance towards Azerbaijan, which constantly violates previously reached agreements, human rights and international legal order.