Armenia’s path towards Europe is possible but requires cautious policymaking, Spanish MP says

Spanish MP Jon Iñarritu believes that the deepening of relations between Armenia and the European Union is a natural and continuing process, but that Yerevan’s European path requires careful political calculation.

He said that, should Armenia apply for EU membership in the future and meet the necessary conditions, Brussels should assess the application on its merits.

In an interview with Armenpress, Iñarritu discussed key issues on the Armenia-EU agenda, stressing that Yerevan must take the regional balance of power into account, as closer ties with Europe could create new opportunities while also generating tensions, particularly in relations with Russia.

In your opinion, what is the reason for the current unprecedented activation of Armenia-EU relations and the deepening of cooperation, how would you assess the current level of these relations?

Given the resolutions adopted by the European institutions, as well as the initiatives taken by the Armenian Parliament, it is only natural that relations between Armenia and the European Union continue to deepen. We should also remember Armenia's long-standing historical and cultural ties with Europe, together with the important role played by the Armenian diaspora in many EU Member States. These communities have often acted as a bridge between Armenia and Europe. Ultimately, the future of this relationship should be decided by the Armenian people. If they decide to move closer to the European Union, that choice should be respected. If, in the future, Armenia formally applies for membership and fulfils the necessary conditions, then the European Union should assess that application on its merits, like any other candidate country.

The President of the European Commission visited Azerbaijan and Armenia on July 2. To what extent is Ursula von der Leyen’s visit symbolic and to what extent of practical significance, what can it bring to bilateral relations?

I believe the visit was intended, above all, to reaffirm the European Commission's commitment to stability, dialogue and lasting peace in the South Caucasus. Its significance was both symbolic and practical. It sent a clear message that the European Union intends to remain actively engaged in the region, while also creating an opportunity to deepen political dialogue, encourage regional cooperation and explore new areas of economic, institutional and diplomatic cooperation with Armenia. We have seen similar messages from other European leaders. During his recent visit to the region, the German President also underlined the importance of concluding a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan. That shows there is a broad European consensus that a lasting peace agreement is essential for the stability and prosperity of the South Caucasus.

In your opinion, how can the activation of Armenia’s European direction change the balance of power in the South Caucasus?

A stronger European orientation on Armenia’s part could contribute to a gradual diversification of political and economic influence in the South Caucasus. Traditionally, the region has been strongly shaped by Russia, while Turkey and Iran have also played significant roles. Greater European engagement would introduce an additional partner capable of supporting institutional reform, economic development, regional connectivity and diplomatic dialogue. However, this process would need to be managed with considerable care. A closer relationship between Armenia and the EU could provide Yerevan with greater strategic autonomy, but it might also generate tensions with other regional powers, particularly Russia. We should not forget the lessons learned from Ukraine. The ultimate effect on the regional balance will therefore depend on whether Armenia's European rapprochement is perceived as a cooperative process that contributes to regional stability, rather than as part of a wider geopolitical confrontation.

Do you consider it possible for Armenia to successfully maintain a balanced foreign policy while simultaneously deepening relations with the EU and maintaining cooperation with Russia?

To be entirely honest, I believe this would be extremely difficult. Russia has traditionally regarded the South Caucasus as part of its sphere of influence, and previous attempts by countries such as Georgia to move closer to the West have had serious consequences. The war in Ukraine has made these geopolitical tensions even more evident. Could Armenia face similar pressure? We cannot ignore the lessons learned from Ukraine, nor forget that Armenia has already paid a very high price in Artsakh. The European Union is not NATO, and closer relations with Brussels should not automatically be interpreted as a military or security realignment. However, we should also remember that Turkey is a key member of NATO and a major regional actor, which inevitably adds another layer of complexity to Armenia's strategic choices. Nevertheless, I fear that Vladimir Putin's Russia would not look favorably upon a decisive Armenian shift towards Europe. Armenia cannot change its geographical location and must take the regional balance of power into account. At the same time, it is a sovereign state and must be free to determine its own future. These two principles are not contradictory, but Armenian policymakers will need to assess all the relevant political, economic and security considerations with great caution.

To what extent can the economic support packages and trade privileges announced by the EU change Armenia’s economic opportunities?

I believe these measures could provide a significant economic boost and create valuable opportunities for both Armenia and the European Union. They could facilitate investment, improve access to European markets, support infrastructure and institutional modernisation, and encourage the development of new sectors in the Armenian economy. More broadly, such initiatives could help build lasting partnerships and lay the foundations for future joint projects. The benefits need not be limited to Armenia alone; they could also contribute to greater prosperity, connectivity and stability throughout the South Caucasus, while strengthening the EU's economic and political presence in the region. That said, we should not overlook the fact that Russia remains Armenia's main economic partner and that Armenia is a member of the Eurasian Economic Union. These are structural realities that cannot be ignored, and any further rapprochement with the European Union will have to take them into account.