Armenia finds itself at a crossroads as it navigates the complexities of its geopolitical alliances, particularly in light of Russia’s influence and the European Union’s beckoning. The recent endorsement by the European Parliament for Armenia’s EU membership candidacy underscores Yerevan’s aspirations to align itself with Western democratic values, but challenges persist in breaking free from Russia’s orbit.
EU Backing for Armenia’s EU Membership Bid
The European Parliament’s endorsement of Armenia’s EU membership candidacy highlights the shared commitment to democratic principles, rule of law, and human rights. Despite this encouraging gesture, Armenia faces significant hurdles, notably the incongruence between its Western aspirations and the EU’s sanctions policy towards Russia, as underscored by prevailing trade dynamics.
Russia’s Continued Economic Resilience
Despite extensive EU sanctions, Russia’s economy exhibits resilience, fueled partly by imports of Western technologies vital for its defense industry. Armenia emerges as a critical logistical hub facilitating Russia’s access to these technologies, evident in the surge of German exports to Armenia during the war in Ukraine, subsequently re-exported to Russia.
Armenia’s Strategic Position in Facilitating Imports to Russia
Armenia’s strategic significance in facilitating imports crucial for Russia’s defense production becomes apparent through staggering trade figures. The exponential increase in Armenian exports to Russia underscores Moscow’s adeptness at diversifying its sources of war-critical goods, leveraging smaller nations like Armenia to circumvent sanctions.
Closing the Backdoor and Strengthening Western Alliances
Efforts to curtail Armenia’s role as a conduit for circumventing sanctions must be intensified to align with Western interests in supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression. Armenia’s recent overtures towards the West, including freezing its membership in Russia-led military alliances and forging closer security ties with France, signal a potential shift towards European integration.
Enhancing Sanctions Enforcement and Coordination
As Armenia faces mounting pressure to choose between East and West, coordinated efforts between Western allies are imperative to bolster sanctions enforcement, address export control loopholes, and hold accountable companies facilitating sanctions circumvention. A strengthened sanctions regime, devoid of exceptions for countries aiding Russia’s interests, is vital to curbing Putin’s destabilizing actions in the region.
SOURCE: Ref Image from Reuters
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