Current dynamics in Armenia-EU relations amid regional reconfiguration: Possible ground for Armenia and Georgia to cooperate in EU rapprochement?

Amid recent regional reconfiguration, the Armenian government has signaled interest in strengthening its country’s relations with the European Union as part of its efforts at foreign policy diversification. With neighbouring Georgia having advanced to EU candidacy in December 2023 and being perceived in Armenia as a gateway to the Euro-Atlantic space, potential ground for the two countries to cooperate in strengthening ties with the EU have come into focus. With the adoption of the controversial law on transparency of foreign influence, however, EU-Georgia relations face an uncertain future, as by extension do prospects of joint Armenia-Georgia efforts with regards to the EU. Potentially, at least, there are a variety of ways in which collaboration, bilateral exchange, and a sharing of experiences might prove beneficial, even though Georgia and Armenia, despite geographic proximity and shared traits, are not partners ‘by default’. But beyond more direct Armenia-Georgia endeavors with regard to the EU, too, there are lessons to be learned from the Georgian example for the current efforts at EU-Armenian rapprochement.

Keywords: South Caucasus, Armenia, Georgia, European Union, EU rapprochement

This publication was produced in cooperation with the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) South Caucasus Office. The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of the author and should in no way be taken to reflect the views of GIP or the KAS South Caucasus Office.