EU - Armenia cooperation within the Eastern Partnership and its impact on Armenian economy

Abstract

The European Union has actively engaged itself in cooperation with its Eastern neighbours. The Eastern Partnership is a concept of political cooperation and economic integration in the future with six countries – Moldova, Ukraine, Belarus, Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan. Republic of Armenia regards this programme as a framework for improving its market institutions and judicial system and for creation of business opportunities. Although Armenia decided not to sign the Association Agreement and join the Russia-led Eurasiatic Customs Union, there is still room for cooperation with the EU on a sector-by-sector basis. The paper is divided in three parts. The first one describes the history of the Armenian cooperation with the European Union within the Eastern Partnership. The second part deals with the barriers and opportunities for mutual cooperation. The last part shows the changes in the Armenian economy during the last decade.