Armenia is at a turning point in its modern history, striving to redefine its geopolitical position, deepen ties with the European Union, and overcome growing regional and internal challenges. For the head of the EU delegation in Armenia, Ambassador Vasilis Maraghos, the significance of the moment goes beyond diplomacy.
“Armenia has sent an important message to Europe,” he said in an exclusive interview with three European media outlets.
- You recently stated that EU-Armenia relations have never been as close as they are now. Does this mean that Armenia is getting closer to its European future, even in some areas? And how does the EU plan to help Armenia strengthen its economy and reduce potential risks associated with its previous dependence on Russia?
- We have launched a process to strengthen Armenia-EU relations in all areas. This was a task given to us by the heads of EU member states within the framework of the European Council. Based on this, we have actively collaborated with Armenia to understand what we can do together. This has already led to several leading projects with Armenia over the past three years.
Photo: EU
Our main tool is the Resilience and Growth Program with a budget of 270 million euros. This was announced in April 2024 and is now close to implementation. The program aims to strengthen Armenia's resilience in the economic sector, in energy, in society, as well as to support the private sector and infrastructure.
- What practical significance does this have for Armenia's economy?
- In terms of trade and energy, I can mention some areas we are focusing on. The first is support for the implementation of European product standards, which allows Armenian products to enter new markets.
The goals of Armenia's economic and trade policy are the diversification of investments and trade, and EU support focuses on these two areas.
It’s not that we are against specific relationships. Of course, when it comes to Russia, which you mentioned, we are cooperating with Armenia to prevent the circumvention of sanctions.
Thus, this is indeed aimed at ensuring compliance with measures established for dual-use goods, as well as other goods under sanctions, and Armenia is firmly committed to this. There may still be some issues, but overall, I believe this is a very important area of bilateral cooperation.
However, Armenia wants to diversify its markets to ensure that, for example, there are no manifestations of over-dependence in certain trade relations. And here we are also helping them.
- Can you provide a specific example?
Just last year, we provided consulting to over 40 enterprises through technical assistance regarding exporting to other markets. These companies can increase their exports to the EU.
Photo: EU
This shows that there is potential, but investments are also needed.
- What support does the EU provide to Armenia's private sector?
- Recently, we signed a guarantee agreement with the Vice President of the European Investment Bank, Karl Nehammer.
We are collaborating with the banking sector to provide support to private businesses. Over the past two years, the total volume of support provided to the private sector by the European Investment Bank has amounted to 330 million euros. More than 27,000 jobs have been created.
Thus, there are several tools being used to enhance the competitiveness of Armenia's economy.
And, of course, the final result also depends on the innovative and entrepreneurial spirit of the Armenian people.
- Energy security remains one of Armenia's main vulnerabilities. What is the EU doing in this area?
- One of the main directions of our investments in the energy sector is connectivity, within which a very important ongoing program is the “Caucasian Electricity Network” with total investments of over 500 million euros. It aims to modernize the electricity network with Georgia, which will allow Armenia to export renewable energy.
Photo: EU
Significant investments have been made in this direction to reach Georgia, as you know, this is the only open border to the West.
Next, of course, are other markets, particularly the “Black Sea Submarine Electricity Cable” initiative, which Armenia aims to participate in. It has not yet been built. It will connect the South Caucasus with the EU and has the potential to contribute to achieving ambitious green goals by allowing the export of green energy from the South Caucasus.
- Armenian officials often talk about normalizing relations with Turkey as a strategically important issue. Does the EU consider it realistic to open borders and transport links between Armenia and Turkey in the coming years?
- Certainly. Absolutely realistic.
- Does the EU have any role in this process?
The EU does not play any role in the bilateral negotiations between Turkey and Armenia. However, the EU plays a very important role in ensuring broader connectivity between regions.
In the future, there will also be connectivity forums that Armenia will participate in, as well as other countries in the region.
Thus, this process is not only about Armenia. It is also about Armenia as a hub connecting the rest of the Middle Corridor. Greater involvement of partners creates interdependence but also greater independence.
Undoubtedly, the opening of the border between Armenia and Turkey will create more opportunities, including for local communities.
Incidentally, over the past few years, we have supported cooperation between civil society organizations and chambers of commerce on both sides of the border. We are ready to use our financial instruments to stimulate investments not only in infrastructure but also in the development of the private sector.
One of the important outcomes of the EU-Armenia summit was the announcement that we will work on the construction of three border crossings. One of them is located on the border with Azerbaijan in the south.
Photo: EU
The other two relate to the Armenian-Turkish border. One is located in Margara, where some infrastructure already exists, but we are ready to support its expansion. The second is Akhurik, which is planned to become a new border crossing between Kars and Gyumri. These are specific projects that are currently in the development phase with international financial institutions.
- Did the first EU-Armenia summit and the summit of the European Political Community have symbolic significance for Armenia's international position?
- Yes. For the first time, we also had participation from Canada. This was also an important signal.
I believe that here we sent a message to the Armenian people of solidarity and support. But I also believe that the Armenian people and representatives of Armenia also sent a message to Europe that Armenia is here, Armenia exists, Armenia can be a center of European developments.
And I am more than confident that democracy is precisely when political leaders discuss the issues that are on the minds of citizens.
Author: Olga Konsevich
Interview: https://euneighbourseast.eu/ project
