Ursula von der Leyen’s visit is meant to strengthen the EU’s influence in the Caucasus region: Bogdan Bezpalko

Political scientist Bogdan Bezpalko commented to Alpha News on the upcoming visit of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to Azerbaijan and Armenia in the coming days, as well as the possible consequences of this trip.

“Ursula von der Leyen’s visit to Azerbaijan, and then to Armenia, is meant to strengthen the European Union’s influence in the Caucasus region. The fact that many officials and staff members of the European Union apparatus have already visited there before doesn’t really mean much, since this will probably be the first time the region is visited by an official of such a high level as Ursula von der Leyen. This is, to a large extent, a symbolic visit, a symbolic act meant to underscore Europe’s growing influence in this region,” the expert believes.

According to the political scientist, anti-Russian rhetoric in Armenia will intensify following the European Commission president’s visit.

“From Ursula von der Leyen’s visit to Azerbaijan and Armenia, I expect an intensification of anti-Russian rhetoric and, possibly, further movement by both republics toward Europe. But, surprisingly, Azerbaijan is more resistant to such influence and more independent, whereas Armenia is more susceptible to outside influence. Why? Because Nikol Pashinyan’s government is unequivocally seeking to distance itself from Russia and, for now, is being held back solely by economic considerations. Russia has made clear that it does not intend to accept such a move by Armenia toward the West without consequences,” Bezpalko concluded.