EU views Armenia’s membership push with ‘interest’
EU spokeswoman Paula Pinho said Armenia's interest in joining the bloc was 'another expression of the attractiveness that the EU has for citizens'.
The European Union expressed "interest" in Armenia's bid to join the bloc, following Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's announcement that Yerevan could soon start the formal membership application process. Armenia, formally aligned with Russia, has been strengthening its relations with the EU amid concerns over Moscow's lack of protection during conflicts with neighboring Azerbaijan.
The EU spokeswoman highlighted that the European Union's interest in Armenia is indicative of the attractiveness the EU holds for its citizens, adding that the bloc is working to bring Armenia closer through various means such as connectivity and trade. However, a second EU spokesperson clarified that the process of becoming an EU member is rigorous, well-defined, and merit-based, requiring a formal application from the aspiring country.
Moscow has been exerting pressure on Yerevan over its EU aspirations, with President Vladimir Putin warning about the potential "Ukrainian scenario" following Armenia's EU ambitions. Currently, there are nine official candidate countries, including Armenia's fellow ex-Soviet states Ukraine and Moldova, which have applied to join the 27-nation EU. Turkey, another regional rival of Armenia, has been in the EU's waiting room for decades.
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- EU views Armenia’s membership push with ‘interest’ freemalaysiatoday.com
