New Dimensions of the European Neighbourhood Policy: Case of Armenia

Abstract

The article puts into comparative perspective the EU-Armenia Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement and the Treaty on Accession of the Republic of Armenia to the Eurasian Economic Union. It specifically underlines the interplay between the CEPA values and norms discourse and Armenia's membership in Eurasian integration project. It further assesses the effect of the "Velvet Revolution" of 2018 on the country's external policy, stating that it has little chance to cause deviation from the currently dominating multi-vector external course. The article concludes that the Armenian case challenges the EU linear approach to developing relationship with neighbouring countries, being an example of reconciliation of the EU-EAEU political and modernisation agendas. This brings into question the need for a clear vision of the future for both integration projects.

New Dimensions of the European Neighbourhood Policy: Case of Armenia

“…The prime-minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan who previously represented the "Elq" oppositional bloc was known for a straightforward pro-European position. The "Elq" has also insisted on quitting the Eurasian Economic Union, initiating a law project on that 6 . Nevertheless, already during the parliamentary hearings Pashinyan insisted that the protests do not threaten the strategic Russia-Armenia relationship, Armenia will keep being a member of the Eurasian Economic Union, at the same time developing relations with the EU and the US.…”