The drive towards European integration picked up steam this week as Armenia cleared the first hurdle for EU accession talks.
The National Assembly approved the first reading of a government-backed bill with 63 pro-government MPs voting for EU membership steps. Six members of the I Have Honor faction stood against it. The Armenia Alliance, led by former president Robert Kocharyan, sat on the fence and abstained.
This breakthrough vote came after months of growing public support for closer ties with Europe.
Citizens Rally Behind Europe-Focused Future Path
A grassroots push set the wheels in motion for the landmark vote. The public petition gathered 60,000 signatures, well above the needed 50,000 threshold. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan spelled out that any final choice about joining would need backing through a nationwide vote.
However, Deputy Foreign Minister Paruyr Hovhannisyan made clear this bill falls short of a formal membership bid. Rather, it opens the door to deeper partnership talks.
Regional powers quickly took notice of Armenia’s westward path to show their singular support on key issues.
Tehran Backs Armenian Stance on Border Control
Iran stood firm as Armenia’s sole backer against the Zangezur Corridor scheme. Iranian Ambassador Mehdi Sobhani backed Armenia’s right to watch over its borders.
The proposed transport route would connect Azerbaijan’s mainland to its Nakhichevan exclave through Armenia’s southern territory.
Iran’s stance puts it at odds with Russia’s support for the corridor plan. Tehran sees any outside control of the route as a red line.
Despite the news, the Russian response to Armenia’s EU bid held warning signals.
Moscow Weighs in on Armenia’s Western Shift
The Kremlin spoke cautiously, with Dmitry Peskov calling it Armenia’s “sovereign right”. Yet Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk warned this move could push Armenia out of the Eurasian Economic Union.
Russian officials raised concerns about potential EU demands for Armenia to back anti-Russian sanctions. They noted the lack of firm promises on visa-free travel in return.
Beyond political warnings, the economic stakes of Armenia’s choice loom large.
Trade Links Hang in Balance with Asia
Armenia must thread the needle between two trading blocs. The EAEU now handles 41% of Armenia’s foreign trade, while EU trade makes up 7.5%. MP Arman Yeghoyan admitted that signing an EU trade deal would end Armenia’s place in the Eurasian Union.
Russia provides gas to Armenia at one-third of EU prices. Russian leaders warn that choosing Europe could send food and fuel costs soaring.
These economic hurdles hint that Armenia’s European dreams still have a long way to go.
Membership Path Needs Years of Hard Work
The road to Brussels winds through six stages with 35 detailed requirements. Montenegro began this journey ten years ago and still has most steps ahead.
MP Armen Rustamyan pointed out that Armenia still needs to meet 60% of its current EU partnership deal from 2017. It must work on law, democracy, and fighting corruption.
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