Brussels interested in Yerevan’s continued policy towards EU — Belgian expert

In Brussels, Armenia is seen as a democratic partner, and it is important that the Armenian government’s decisions to deepen relations with the European Union are upheld.

Alberto Turkstra, director of the Brussels-based analytical and public relations project “Diplomatic World,” expressed this opinion in an interview with Armenpress, assessing the current level of Armenia–European Union relations and Yerevan’s European prospects.

The Belgian expert noted that Brussels has positively received Yerevan’s policy aimed at deepening relations with the European Union.

“Brussels has received this new direction of Armenia quite positively, in terms of closer rapprochement with the European Union. This is generally in the same logic as what we have seen in the case of Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia. At the moment, the conditions also seem quite favorable,” the expert emphasized.

He recalled that the European Union also tried to play the role of mediator in the peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan, when European Council President Charles Michel hosted Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in Brussels several times.

“These meetings, unfortunately, did not yield the expected results. Ultimately, some progress was made with the involvement of the United States, with the Washington Agreement of August 8, 2025. Nevertheless, I believe that this is an important step towards lasting regional peace after more than 30 years of conflict. This also stems from the interests of the European Union,” Turkstra said.

The expert reiterated that in Brussels, Armenia is regarded as a democratic partner, and promoting democracy remains one of the key directions of the EU’s foreign policy.

“On the other hand, there are also interesting opportunities related to economic and regional ties. For example,  Armenia’s “Crossroads of Peace”  project coincides quite well with the European Union’s “Global Gateway” initiative and the development of the so-called Middle Corridor,” he said.

According to the expert, much still needs to be clarified, particularly in terms of investments and specific programs.

He added that, overall, EU–Armenia relations are currently in a rather active phase.

“Contacts are at a high level.  The first summit at the level of Armenia–EU leaders will be held in Yerevan this year. In addition, Armenia will host a meeting of the European Political Community, which is also an important event. It should also be noted that the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, Ararat Mirzoyan, visits Brussels quite often, which also shows the intensity of relations,” Turkstra said.