That was the choice of the Republic of Armenia itself: Frank Engel

“That was the choice of the Republic of Armenia itself, moreover, Armenia should decide itself issues related to its economic structure. In any case, maybe you don’t know, but I was always skeptical toward generalized Russian economic commitment in Armenia, and I was always sure, that this is not the approach that Armenia should have.” MEP Frank Engel (Luxembourg, EPP), told 168.am replying to the question to which extent Armenia will be able to implement the package of reforms enshrined in the agreement on account of incompatibility of systems of values of the EU and EEU.

“However, at the same time, we should understand, that in this field Russia is a strong player. Currently it’s important that we’re taking the tools, which are accessible, and which we can best make use of. In some fields of economy, it seems to me logical, that EEU is systemically close to what Armenia may provide, and in all other sectors we should attempt importing European tendencies.

Thus, they should make use of the opportunities, this would be beneficial for both sides.” In his words throughout last month the negotiated document isn’t the one that could have been if Armenia hadn’t joined the Eurasian Economic Union. “But that membership is a fact today, the EU takes that membership into account, and I hope, developments will be positive,” Engel said.

He believes Moscow won’t cause issues on the way to signing the agreement, as negotiations have been launched by Moscow’s knowledge and by the EU with realization that Armenia is a EEU member.

By Araks Martirosyan