European Union Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement Marta Kos has stated that only the Armenian people have the right to determine their future and choose in favor of European integration.
According to Operative Information Center-OMM, the Commissioner made these remarks in Brussels ahead of the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting, commenting on Russian President Vladimir Putin's statements regarding Armenia's European path.
Kos emphasized that the EU will continue to support Armenia amid increasing pressure from Moscow. "Only the Armenian people can make decisions about their future. The recent meeting of the European Political Community, as well as the EU-Armenia summit, showed which path they want to choose. And Europe will support them," Kos said. She added that Brussels understands the "geopolitical dynamics" in the region and will monitor the development of the situation "very closely."
Over the weekend, the Russian President expressed dissatisfaction with Armenia's pursuit of closer ties with Europe. For the first time, he directly linked the Russian invasion of Ukraine to Kyiv's decision to advance along a European path. These statements have been perceived in the EU as a signal of pressure on countries considering closer alignment with the union.
The relationship between Armenia and the European Union has intensified significantly following the full restoration of Azerbaijan's sovereignty over its territories. As Yerevan seeks to diversify its security and economic partnerships, the EU has increased its involvement through the monitoring mission in Armenia and various financial assistance packages. This shift occurs within a complex regional framework where Azerbaijan maintains a balanced foreign policy, emphasizing regional cooperation and the respect for territorial integrity as the primary basis for long-term peace in the South Caucasus.
