On February 8, 2024, the Heinrich Boell Foundation Yerevan Office - South Caucasus Region, in collaboration with APRI Armenia, held an online discussion titled “EU-Armenia Relations: Harnessing the Momentum.”
Armenia and the EU are experiencing an unprecedented drive in their relations. In his address at the European Parliament in October 2023, Prime Minister Pashinyan stated that Armenia “is ready to be closer to the European Union, as much as the European Union considers it possible.” Yet, while the directions of closer cooperation are taking shape, a recent report published by APRI Armenia in cooperation with hbs Yerevan Office suggests that the EU and Armenia lack a longer-term strategic vision for their relationship. It also remains unclear whether the EU is willing and able to adequately respond to Armenia’s security needs – against the backdrop of the continuing risk of Azerbaijani aggression against Armenia and Armenia’s historical alliance with Russia.
The event discussed the evolving relationship between the EU and Armenia, its challenges, expectations, and ways forward. APRI Armenia’s report “Strengthening EU–Armenia Relations: Towards a Cooperation Strategy” and recommendations were also presented during the event.
The discussion featured the following speakers:
- H.E. Dirk Schuebel, EU Special Envoy for the Eastern Partnership, European External Action Service;
- H.E.Tigran Balayan, Ambassador, Mission of the Republic of Armenia to the European Union
- Viola von Cramon, Member of the European Parliament
- Marie Dumoulin, Director, Wider Europe program, European Council on Foreign Relations
- Anahide Pilibossian, Vice President of Strategy and Development, APRI Armenia.
Sonja Schiffers, Director of the Heinrich Boell Foundation Tbilisi Office – South Caucasus Region, moderated the discussion.
EU-Armenia Relations: Harnessing the Momentum - Heinrich Boell Foundation South Caucasus
Watch on YouTube