European Union's new global strategy is opening more cooperation opportunities with Armenia, Ambassador Piotr Switalski, the head of the EU Delegation to Armenia, told a news conference, on July 4.
He said EU is looking to continue the cooperation with the Eastern Partnership countries, but a closer cooperation in the fields of economy and energy is possible with the countries that have chosen the path for the Association with the EU.
Ambassador Switalski said the increase in the financing of projects in Armenia will depend on the efficiency of the work carried out and specific indicators. He suggested waiting for the results of the projects that have not been completed yet. The diplomat said the assistance projects are not the only way to develop the country. He said the EU has helped the country implement tangible reform in the life of ordinary citizens and he made sure of that after visiting the rural communities and talking to the local residents.
Recalling that EU provides EUR50 million to Armenia every year, the ambassador asked rhetorically if it could change the state of the country. It can help settling some problems, he said. Addressing the referendum in the UK, Piotr Switalski said Brexit will not affect either the cooperation or implementation of the projects in Armenia.
The fourth stage of the talks for the Armenia-EU new comprehensive legal document was held a few days ago. To recall, Armenia was sign the EU Association Agreement in November 2013, but two months prior to the signing, Armenia announced it was aligning with the Russian-led Customs Union and later the Eurasian Economic Union. In January 2015, Armenia became a full member of the EEU.
Later, on October 12, in Luxembourg, the Council authorized the European Commission and the High Representative to open negotiations on a new, legally binding and overarching agreement with Armenia, and adopted the corresponding negotiating mandate. This agreement will replace the current EU- Armenia partnership and cooperation agreement. The EU is committed to further developing and strengthening comprehensive cooperation with Armenia in all areas of mutual interest within the Eastern Partnership framework.
On June 28 2016, High Representative Federica Mogherini today presented the EU Global Strategy on foreign and security policy to EU leaders, meeting in Brussels at the EU summit.
"The purpose, even existence, of our Union is being questioned. Yet, our citizens and the world need a strong European Union like never before. In challenging times, a strong Union is one that thinks strategically, shares a vision and acts together. This is even more true after the British referendum. We will indeed have to rethink the way our Union works, but we perfectly know what to work for. We know what our principles, our interests and our priorities are. This is no time for uncertainty: our Union needs a Strategy. We need a shared vision, and common action," Mogherini said.