YEREVAN, JUNE 2, ARMENPRESS. Ruben Mehrabyan, an expert at the Armenian Institute of International and Security Affairs, says Europe must be more active in the North Atlantic Alliance and enhance its defense spending.

During a discussion on June 2, the expert said that Europe has already begun increasing its defense spending – well realizing that security threats are first of all directed at Europe itself.

“A realization exists here that threats are aimed at Europe itself. They understand this and they’ve already began to take steps at increasing military spending”, Mehrabyan said.

The expert says it is noteworthy that recently very important US military units are returning to Europe.

“Today we received information that strategic bombers have been sent to Great Britain”, he said.

According to Mehrabyan, Russian president Vladimir Putin has tried to somehow put a split between the G7 countries, however he didn’t succeed.

As result, western sanctions against Russia will continue.

Commenting on the West’s policy on Iran, the expert mentioned that there are obvious contradictions between the US and the EU on this issue.

“Rouhani’s re-election as Iran’s president brings great predictability in Iranian policy and increases chances that this country will continue its policy of deepening relations with the West. Here however, taking into account the rhetoric and stance of the United States, I don’t expect serious changes in the foreseeable future”, he said.