Armenia’s EU aspirations ‘not surprising’, says MEP Nathalie Loiseau

Aspirations in Armenia towards joining the EU are not surprising, Member of the European Parliament Nathalie Loiseau has said.

On January 9, the Cabinet approved the bill seeking to launch the process of EU integration. The bill, which is set to be discussed in parliament, was initiated by several civic organizations through a petition which garnered enough votes to be considered as a bill.

Asked on the process, the MEP told Armenpress, “The attractiveness of the EU model is striking. In a period where authoritarian regimes are attacking the international rules-based order, the EU shines as a beacon of democracy and rule of law, despite its imperfections. That Armenia considers it wants to join the EU is not surprising, considering the choices made by Armenia of peace, democracy and reforms. I will advocate for a positive answer from the EU if Armenia confirms its candidacy.”

Asked on possible developments after the decision, the Member of the European Parliament emphasized that the EU never forced any country neither to join, nor to stay.

“Armenia is a sovereign country. It takes the decisions which are deemed necessary to protect the interests of the Armenian people. The EU never forced any country neither to join, nor to stay. I wish the USSR yesterday and the Russian Federation today could be inspired by our respect for the independence and sovereignty of third countries,” MEP Loiseau said.