Armenia’s rapprochement with EU is possible only at cost of sacrifices and security threats – Dmitry Suslov

Dmitry Suslov, Deputy Director of the Center for Comprehensive European and International Studies at the Higher School of Economics, spoke to Alpha News about Armenia’s path toward European integration, negotiations with Azerbaijan, and the role of the United States in the South Caucasus.

According to him, Armenia’s aspirations for the EU, voiced by Prime Minister Pashinyan, do not necessarily imply Europeanization.

“Moldova’s experience shows that becoming an enemy of Russia and a tool of the West is enough to bring it closer to the EU. Then the EU will begin to encourage and recognize undemocratic elections and negotiate accession despite its failure to meet standards,” Suslov said.

He believes that such a path for Armenia means sacrifices and a threat to its security.

The expert also expressed concern about the American TRIPP project and possible US control over the Syunik Corridor.

“Moscow isn’t prepared to be more patriotic to Armenia than the Armenians themselves. If Yerevan believes that rapprochement with Turkey, Europe, and the United States will ensure its security, that’s its choice. But Russia does not welcome this process,” Suslov said.

He emphasized that Armenia’s rapprochement with NATO could lead to a US military presence in the South Caucasus, which Moscow perceives as a direct threat. Russia has so far responded with restraint, but Suslov believes its position could change after the conflict in Ukraine ends.