MP Narek Karapetyan: Armenia must live by European standards, but  avoid regional confrontation

ArmInfo.  At the plenary session of the National Assembly on August 19, active discussions  continued on the question of which path Armenia should take.  The  parliamentarians' speeches took place against the backdrop of  discussions regarding the candidacy of Arega Hovsepyan, chair of the  NA Committee on European Integration, nominated by the opposition  "Strong Armenia" faction.

Addressing the assembly, "Strong Armenia" faction leader Narek  Karapetyan reflected on the practical meaning of European  integration, pointing to European nations like Norway, Switzerland,  and the United Kingdom as examples of countries that chose not to  join the EU politically while deeply integrating their institutions  into the European free economic zone and governance models.

"What has this led to? Switzerland remains free from conflicts,  Norway stays clear of contradictions, and the UK chose another path,"  Karapetyan said, contrasting this with Armenia's complex geopolitical  positioning.

"We see and understand that all Armenian institutions must be  localized according to European models.  While there are certain  things we disagree with—as a conservative force, we disagree with  certain family- oriented models—our judicial system, economic policy,  and educational system must develop and work in this direction.  Armenia must be a country living by European standards in every  sense. However, before making a political choice, we must consider  whether that choice will trigger a confrontation between regional  powers and the European Union. Will we receive a heavy blow as a  result? One of our country's most critical challenges is preventing a  clash at our doorstep," the politician stated.

Addressing Armenia's economic relations with Russia, Karapetyan noted  that last year, exports of Armenian goods to Russia totaled $3.2  billion, compared to $600 million to Europe. Funds generated through  trade with Russia support pensions, military salaries, and social  programs—resources the country cannot afford to lose.

"A pro-Armenian policy means ensuring we do not surrender our  economic positions to others, allowing Uzbeks, Turks, or Belarusians  to take our place on the Russian market," he concluded.