YEREVAN, MARCH 5, ARMENPRESS. What kind of relations do Armenia and EU have after Armenia assumed new integration commitments? What programs will the EU implement in Armenia in coming three years? And what will happen in May at the Eastern Partnership Summit in Riga? The Head of EU Delegation to Armenia, Ambassador Traian Hristea reflected on these and other issues in an interview to “Armenpress” News Agency.

- Mr. Ambassador, how would You assess the year of 2014 in the regard of strengthening of the Armenia-EU relations? What is Your assessment of these relations in general?

- Despite the fact that Armenia did not sign the DCFTA with the EU and made a decision on the accession to the Eurasian Economic Union, the EU is inclined to continue further cooperation with Armenia within the framework of the Eastern Partnership in all those spheres, which are in harmony with the commitments Armenia has recently assumed.

So, the EU is ready to provide assistance to Armenia in such spheres as efficient governance, human rights, struggle against corruption, reforms of judicial system, and mobility. We rely on the high level joint statement issued at the Vilnius Summit in 2013.

We all must have relevant expectations from the Riga Summit.

- Is it considered that Armenia and the EU will sign an agreement? If yes, what kind of agreement is it and what clauses does it have? Will there be points on bilateral trade and economic cooperation in the agreement?

- The Eastern Partnership Summit, which will be held in Riga on May 21-22, will give an opportunity to assess the progress recorded during the bilateral cooperation between the EU and Eastern Partnership countries following the Vilnius Summit, as well as to form new strategic priorities for the future steps. The new programs of mutual interest can be under discussion at the high level meeting.

The general strategy will be discussed at the plenary session, with participation of working groups, which will deal with professional issues. To attract more attention on the conference, the organizers invite individuals, which are in charge for high level decisions, EU officials, researchers, and representatives of analytical centers.

We are hopeful that the civil society of Armenia and the Armenia-EU civil society national platform in particular will have an active participation in the event. (THE FULL VERSION OF THE INTERVIEW IS AVAILABLE IN ARMENIAN)

Interview by Hasmik Harutyunyan