Stefan Müller-Altermatt, a member of Switzerland’s National Council, said that hosting the European Political Community summit and the first Armenia-European Union summit in Yerevan is of historic significance and reflects Armenia’s progress toward European integration.

Speaking in an interview with Armenpress, Müller-Altermatt noted that the upcoming summits, scheduled to take place in May in Yerevan, demonstrate Armenia’s growing engagement with European partners and its commitment to deepening ties with the European Union.

– What political message does the holding of the European Political Community Summit in Yerevan carry?

-When the European political community – which Russia so clearly shuns – discusses security and cooperation in Armenia, this sends a clear signal: Armenia is slipping out of Russia’s sphere of influence and, rather than being punished for it, is being rewarded – namely, with greater recognition in Europe.    

– How do you assess the historical significance of the first Armenia-EU Summit?

-The summit is of enormous historical significance. It demonstrates that Armenia is to be integrated into Europe on an equal footing. Even though, naturally, EU accession remains a distant prospect despite this summit, it can nevertheless now be discussed about integration without membership.

-Can we say that this is a new stage on Armenia’s path to European integration?

-You could certainly put it that way. But people in Armenia aren’t naive, and unfortunately they’ve been let down by Europe far too often. A summit alone doesn’t make a partnership – just making speeches at a summit doesn’t help Armenia. What’s needed isn’t just words, but action on the part of the EU.

-What are the main areas where Armenia and the EU can deepen cooperation in the near future?

-The areas of energy, transport and infrastructure offer the greatest potential for both sides. If Armenia can reduce its dependence on Russia by expanding renewable energy, modernising its electricity grid and connecting to regional electricity markets, thereby becoming part of the European energy area, this would also represent an enormous strategic gain for the EU. The same applies, of course, to the transport sector: logistics corridors between Europe and Central Asia via Armenia benefit both Europe and Armenia.

That said, most people in Armenia would probably be delighted if visa facilitation measures were introduced quickly. Unfortunately, this is becoming an increasingly politically sensitive issue within the EU – immigration is sparking ever more debate.

– How can this summit affect the security situation in the South Caucasus?

-We must be honest with ourselves: the EU has neither the military capability nor the will to act as an effective guarantor of security in the South Caucasus. Civilian missions and assistance with crisis prevention are, unfortunately, the most that can be expected from the EU in this regard. Regrettably, the EU remained silent during the ethnic cleansing in Nagorno-Karabakh, thereby undermining international law. As a non-military power, it would have had the opportunity to take a strong stance as a champion of international law. However, the EU has enormous energy interests in Azerbaijan. That is why it has remained silent on the violations of international law. The people of Karabakh are the ones suffering as a result. One could also say: in fact, the EU has a lot of making up to do with regard to Armenia and, above all, Karabakh. When it comes to security, it cannot do so – so it should focus on other areas instead.

-What new economic opportunities can open up for Armenia after this summit?

-In the long term, economic development must, of course, form the core of negotiations with the EU. There is a need for trade facilitation and the integration of Armenian companies into supply chains. If partnership agreements can achieve precisely this, then Armenia stands to gain a great deal economically. And if the Russian economy also recovers in the future, Armenia will have excellent prospects as a trading partner in both economic areas.

-Can Armenia become an important transit or energy partner for the EU?

-Here, too, we must be honest and admit that the geographical circumstances suggest that Armenia is unlikely to be of significant importance to the EU in the energy or transit sectors. Armenia has no direct oil or gas export capacity, and energy exports to the EU are severely limited by geographical and geopolitical factors. Armenia can be an innovation partner for the EU, but not a primary energy supplier. Armenia should seek to build on this position as an innovation partner.