Armenia weighs EU membership amidst shifting geopolitical landscape

Armenia is considering major geopolitical change, with one of its main foreign policy agenda items being the prospect of applying for membership in European Union

As Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan disclosed on Friday, a major geopolitical change is being considered by Armenia, and one of the main items on its foreign policy agenda is the prospect of applying for membership in the European Union. In light of tense relations with its longtime friend, Russia, Armenia intends to strengthen its connections with the West. 

“Today in Armenia, a lot of new opportunities are being talked about a lot, and it won’t be a secret if I say that includes joining the European Union,” Mirzoyan said in an interview with the Turkish media. He made these comments amid a diplomatic meeting in the Mediterranean city of Antalya, Türkiye.

The aggressive pursuit of better ties with Europe and the United States by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan since taking office after a revolution in 2018 has often conflicted with Russia’s interests. Because of its allegiance to Western nations, Pashinyan’s administration has often attracted Moscow’s criticism.

Yerevan made it clear that his country does not support the crisis in Ukraine, even if it is still in an alliance with Moscow. Furthermore, Armenian President Pashinyan has publicly charged Russia with trying to undermine the Armenian administration.

The perception of Moscow’s inadequacies in defending Armenia against its enduring adversary, Azerbaijan, has added to Armenia’s concerns about Russia. Armenia’s regional dynamics are further complicated by Azerbaijan’s recent strengthening of its relations with Russia.

The possibility that Armenia would apply to join the EU highlights the country’s changing geopolitical goals and ambition to expand its alliance network beyond customary cooperation. The ramifications for global power dynamics and regional security are yet unclear as Armenia negotiates this tricky diplomatic terrain.

Source: Reuters