German expert rules out Armenia joining EU in next 20 years

European expert in energy issues and CIS countries Alexander Rahr has told Armenian media that the country will not be able to become a member of the EU in the next 20 years.

"First of all, the EU must solve its economic, financial, social and security problems. The EU has little to offer other countries as it did 10 or 20 years ago. All this calls into question the possibility of EU enlargement.

Apart from that, the criteria for EU membership are very difficult to fulfill. A country seeking membership has to change laws and settle legal issues, which will take years," he said, News.am reports.

Rahr linked NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg's visit to the region to the Ukrainian war.

"The interests of the EU, NATO and the West are aimed at isolating Russia from its former Soviet republics. The EU seeks to show Russia that it is strong as well, and has the tools to further weaken Russia. Armenia should understand how it can use the situation to its advantage," the expert added.