EU interested in Armenia as barrier to Russian influence in the Caucasus – pundit

European expert in energy issues and CIS countries Alexander Rahr has said that the EU is interested in Armenia mainly as a barrier to Russian influence in the Caucasus.

In an interview with Armenian News.am, Rahr noted that countries like Armenia, which are much weaker than their neighbors, should be given an opportunity to implement a multi-vector policy.

"If Armenia turns from a subject into an object in political games, not having the right to choose its strategic path of development and pursue a multi-vector policy, it can be dangerous not only for Armenia, but also for other Caucasus states," Rahr added.

He expressed his concern over conflicts, saying small states like Armenia could be used by much stronger countries for one geopolitical purpose or another.

"It is good that the EU and Armenia are getting closer. However, I hope that the EU understands what countries Armenia neighbors with and what conflicts could arise if the geopolitical situation deteriorates. There has been a history of rapprochement between Armenia and the EU in the past. There were very effective negotiations between Yerevan and Brussels. At that time it was said that Armenia could become a full associate member, maybe even a member of the EU, but only if it solved the problems with Türkiye. At that time Türkiye was also considered a possible EU member, but that's no longer the case today," the expert emphasized.

According to him, Armenia's leaders should realize that the country is isolated in the Caucasus and should be very careful not to go too far and push away its strategic partners.

"And this is not only about Russia, but in many ways about Iran as well. The biggest problem for Armenia will be a situation in which the country loses its development path," Rahr concluded.