'Whether we should ‘marry’ the EU is question for future', Armenia’s foreign minister says about EU membership
Armenia’s foreign minister at the Warsaw Security Forum
The Armenian parliament approved a law launching the country’s EU accession process in spring 2025. However, only now has Armenian society begun to hold “serious, in-depth” discussions about membership. Foreign Minister and Minister of International Trade Ararat Mirzoyan made the remarks on the sidelines of the Warsaw Security Forum.
During a panel discussion entitled “Half-Readiness or a Gradual Approach: Rethinking EU Enlargement”, Mirzoyan was asked where the train taking Armenia towards Europe would ultimately stop. The minister replied that nobody knew — neither Armenia, nor the EU, nor its member states.
He said the good news was that both Armenia and the European Union were enjoying their current process of engagement.
“So let us enjoy these warm relations, discover new opportunities and explore new dimensions of cooperation. At some point in the future, we can sit down together and discuss whether we should ‘get married’,” Mirzoyan said.
During the panel discussion, the minister also addressed the reopening of the Armenian-Turkish border and the peace process with Azerbaijan.
He stressed that Armenia’s efforts to improve relations with its neighbours do not stem from its desire to integrate with European institutions.
Moreover, he assured the audience that this process would continue regardless of other factors.
“On the other hand, we should acknowledge that if our goal is to become a full member of the European Union, problems or conflicts with our neighbours are likely to become an obstacle along the way,” Ararat Mirzoyan noted.
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Armenia and the EU are pursuing more than just political dialogue
“Our relations with the European Union have reached an unprecedented depth, covering a wide range of areas and forms of cooperation. We are holding a dialogue on visa liberalisation. The EU has established a monitoring mission in Armenia, which continues to operate and monitor the situation along the border with Azerbaijan. We recently welcomed a second mission. Although temporary, it operates on a permanent basis and helps us counter hybrid threats.
Although we are not an EU candidate country, the Union has granted us preferential trade access with its member states.
This is the latest development. The EU has approved autonomous trade measures to help Armenia diversify its export markets. We have also signed an agreement with the Union that will allow us to take part in various EU missions around the world.
Moreover, although we are not a candidate country, we have received a Resilience and Growth Plan and assistance from the EU, including support through the European Peace Facility.
Our cooperation therefore extends beyond support for political dialogue, the economy and trade. It also covers security, foreign policy and other areas.
Together with the European Union, we continue to explore new opportunities as we seek to strengthen our ties even further.”
On unblocking transport links, the interests of major powers align
“In my country, and probably across the entire South Caucasus region, the interests of the US and the EU do not conflict. On the contrary, they work together very well.
The United States is actively involved in the South Caucasus. In particular, it is taking part in efforts to open and unblock transport links between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
This will provide a vital transport connection, for example between Portugal and China, linking the West and the East.
I believe the EU and its member states will also benefit from this process.
Thus, many countries and major powers around the world share an interest in unblocking the South Caucasus.”
Opening the Armenian-Turkish border is entirely possible
“We are normalising relations with Turkey. The border remains closed, but I believe the process has already reached a significant level of maturity.
It is entirely possible that tomorrow morning we will wake up and see this headline in the news: ‘Armenia-Turkey border opens’.”
Peace with Azerbaijan and the situation in neighbouring countries
“In our case, Armenia’s neighbours are a critically important factor. Let us look at them.
Azerbaijan. We recently established peace and began bilateral trade. We are opening our territories to transport and transit, and unblocking regional communications. However, several sensitive issues still need to be resolved.
To the west lies Turkey, with which we are engaged in intensive dialogue. We are normalising relations, but the border remains closed.
To the south lies Iran, with its complex regional situation, specific conditions and challenges.
To the north lie Georgia and Russia […].
**As for Georgia, imagine how much easier the situation would be if it continued on its path towards EU integration. That would bring about significant changes.”
Moscow’s reaction must be managed carefully
“As for Russia, you can imagine how it might react to Armenia joining the EU, given the specific nature of our relationship with that country.
Historically, we have had very close ties, and we continue to maintain close relations to this day. However, we must manage any potential reaction carefully.
Nobody wants to make new enemies. Nor are we interested in harming any third party.”
Armenia’s foreign minister at the Warsaw Security Forum
