Armenian authorities demonstrate some kind of ritual of European loyalty — Dmitry Zhuravlev

Speaking with Alpha News, Russian political scientist Dmitry Zhuravlev commented on the process of Armenia’s European integration and Russia’s reaction.

“In my opinion, given the current economic ties with Russia, this process is purely ceremonial. It is necessary to show that, despite any objective affairs or interests, European integration continues, a reminder to those who may doubt it. This is a ritual of European loyalty. A similar ritual once brought Ukraine to the special military operation, as its economy was mainly linked to Russia, while its political elite saw their future with the West. At the same time, no one has officially invited Armenia to Europe yet.

Until the door is opened from the outside, leaving is impossible. However, the Armenian authorities are trying to demonstrate their readiness. Russia, in turn, as it did during the time of Yanukovych—whom many consider a pro-Russian president—has signaled to Ukraine that such dual alignment is impossible. It is impossible to simultaneously enjoy export privileges in two unrelated systems. It is akin to breaking through a dam: the water will destroy it and everything on it. The reason is not that it is bad to be friends with Europe or Russia, but the impossibility of pursuing such a policy at the same time. If barriers are erected between our countries by European hands, they cannot be removed unilaterally,” he said.

Commenting on Russia’s reaction to the process of European integration, Zhuravlev noted that Russia would likely apply the same rules and relations to Armenia as it does to the European Union.

“Russia will not even need to react. In this situation, Russia will simply have to extend to Armenia the rules and relations that apply to the European Union—nothing more. Do you want integration? Great, you will have it, but on the same terms as Europe itself. It is impossible to apply different conditions to Ukraine, Armenia, or France and England. If everything is the same inside, if there are no customs, tax or other differences between Armenia and Europe, then Armenian goods will have to comply with the same conditions. However, this may lead to situations where goods allegedly made in France turn out to be made in Armenia, and such tricks do not work for long,” Zhuravlev noted.