We Have No Naive Illusions: Kostanyan on EU Membership

The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, Vahan Kostanyan, addressed the development of Armenia-EU relations during a discussion titled "The EU as a Strategic Partner: Prospects for Eastern Europe, the South Caucasus, and Central Asia." He stated that in the current complex situation, unconventional solutions are necessary, as traditional approaches are no longer always effective.

Kostanyan reminded that last March, the Armenian Parliament adopted a law that allows the initiation of the EU membership process, describing it as a clear political orientation for the future of the Armenian people and government. He emphasized, "At the same time, we certainly do not have naive illusions that Armenia will become an EU member in 2028 or 2030." According to him, this is a political statement that outlines the direction of work, including an ambitious program of reforms aligned with European standards.

In this context, he highlighted the importance of the dialogue that has begun regarding visa liberalization, noting that Armenia is currently the only country in the world with which the EU is negotiating on this issue.

The "Armenia-EU Strategic Partnership Agenda" adopted in December 2023 is seen as a roadmap for sectoral and gradual integration, incorporating security and economic components. Vahan Kostanyan acknowledged that the EU has become Armenia's true strategic partner, and the relations have never been this close.

He also announced that the first Armenia-EU summit will take place in Yerevan on May 5. The Deputy Foreign Minister added that despite the rapid development of events, European bureaucracy sometimes does not keep up with the pace of regional geopolitical changes.