The discussions in the Armenian Parliament about the possibility of holding a referendum on EU membership are quite symbolic, Andrey Areshev, an expert on South Caucasus issues, believes. According to him, the main problem is the information and propaganda work to be carried out to impose pro-Western sentiments on the population.
However, the referendum, if held, will provide an opportunity to establish the country’s pro-Western orientation in the legislation, after which it will be difficult for the future leadership to change it, the expert believes.
“The line that the present authorities of Armenia are following is the strengthening of relations with Brussels in all aspects. Along with these informational and propaganda steps, negotiations can be conducted on the improvement of the bases of bilateral trade,” Areshev noted. According to him, parallel to the Western line, a pro-Azerbaijani and pro-Turkish line is being developed; the strengthening of relations with the EU is inextricably tied to the stabilization of the dialogue with Baku and Ankara.
The geopolitical line chosen by Yerevan may lead to the deterioration of relations with Moscow, experts believe. Moreover, if at first it happens within the framework of the CSTO and is related to security issues, in the future it may also complicate relations with the EAEU member states in terms of economy.
However, it is still too early to talk about the readiness of the EU for the strengthening of relations with Yerevan. “The EU intends to cooperate with Armenia in mutually beneficial spheres. As for specific obligations, we can see the situation with neighboring Georgia or Turkey, which have long-standing relationships with the EU. We can see that the integration is being carried out in a rather unique way,” Areshev said.
