Big “Bazaar” with Europe

Today, Serzh Sargsyan met with the president of the European Council Herman van Rompuy. In his speech, Serzh Sargsyan mentioned for several times Europe’s “support” and his expectation of money. However, Rompuy made it clear that support will come after reform.

The relations of Armenia with Europe resemble eastern bazaar. Rompuy noted that he would be glad if Armenia’s aspiration to Europe were built on common values. Instead, Serzh Sargsyan spoke about money. He noted that Armenia will remain committed to large-scale reforms. “In this case, we see the EU as a reliable partner and supporter. We have had effective talks on the EU support to our reforms,” Serzh Sargsyan said. Rompuy promised money. But in what order?

He called on President Sargsyan to continue the reforms, ensure more transparency, eliminate corruption and respect for human rights and the rule of law, as well as freedom of speech and media. Armenia is on the right path, despite there is much work. The EU is willing to support Armenia. The more willingness to implement reforms, the more you can rely on the EU,” said Herman van Rompuy during the conference entitled Armenia in Europe.

Rompuy made it clear that Europe won’t give money to Armenia without radical reforms. Note that Serzh Sargsyan has recently visited Brussels, and it became known in the same period that the donor conference for Armenia which had been planned after the elections had been postponed.

We help the participants of the European Neighborhood which are in the process of building stable democracy, including Armenia. On May 15 of this year, the EU adopted a roadmap based on the principle of more for more, Herman van Rompuy said.

Serzh Sargsyan noted that the talks on the Association Agreement and DCFTA are coming to an end. He noted that new forms of support were discussed during his meeting with Mr. Rompuy. What does this mean?

“Recently I have visited Brussels where the European People’s Party discussed the economic crisis. I hope as an Eastern partner we will have our share of support to overcome the crisis”, said Serzh Sargsyan. Apparently, this is the new form. Funding is possible not only through Eastern Partnership but also through the party line.

Money, money, more money. Judging by the tone of the statement, the relations of Armenia and the European Union are measured by money. Armenia is asking money through all possible channels, and Europe grabs the game rules and builds its policy on “I will or I won’t give money”.

And you are ashamed of your government which is unable to provide the least possible self-sufficiency in the country, it profits from this, and we the citizens are miserable beggars in front of the European parapet. I am also ashamed of the proud Europe which does not scruple to give to the poor pennies and promise more, so we don’t go to the North but to the West and open a railway for the European goods.

We have had enough of this bazaar.