EU membership for Armenia unlikely before 2030, MEP says

Membership of the European Union for Armenia remains largely theoretical and is unlikely to materialise before 2030, according to Fernand Kartheiser, a Luxembourg member of the European Parliament.

Speaking in an interview with Russian newspaper Izvestiya, Kartheiser said that despite steadily improving ties, significant obstacles continue to hinder Armenia’s prospects for accession.

“Although Armenia enjoys considerable sympathy within the EU and official relations continue to deepen, the question of membership remains, rather, theoretical in nature. Given Armenia’s geographical location and its complicated relations with at least one of its neighbours, such a candidacy raises many questions. Despite the fact that relations between the EU and Armenia have steadily improved in recent years, accession before 2030 is unlikely. At present, the EU is prioritising issues related to candidate countries in the Balkans, as well as unresolved questions regarding the path of Ukraine and Moldova to EU membership,” he said.

Kartheiser added that, in the near term, deepening practical cooperation between the EU and Armenia represents a more realistic approach than pursuing full membership.

He said efforts should focus on strengthening Armenia’s economy, raising living standards and expanding cultural ties with the bloc. In addition, he noted that Armenia could serve as a valuable partner for the EU in foreign policy, including through its relations with Iran.

By Tamilla Hasanova