The topic of Armenia's relations with the EU has always been at the center of public and political discussions, and now Armenia has decided to submit an official application for EU membership, which is a new reality. On August 24, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced in the National Assembly that Armenia must apply to the EU to move to the next phase of the accession process.
At this moment, when the process is just starting, Armenia's accession to the EU economic bloc may be a dangerous path. Armenia must exit the EAEU, which could have severe consequences. Georgia, which is not a member of the EAEU, has decided to postpone its accession process until 2028, indicating that Armenia may not benefit from this process.
The differences between EU and EAEU regulations may hinder Armenia's integration, as the Armenian economy is heavily linked to Russia. To join the EU, Armenia needs to align its legislation with European standards, which could be a challenging process.
Armenia's railway network is not connected to Europe, and goods must be transported through other countries, creating additional difficulties. Armenian authorities need to be cautious not to worsen relations with either the EU or Russia.
Thus, it is crucial for Armenia to work with both sides to avoid being caught in geopolitical conflicts.
