Armenian analyst reacts to EU commissioner's remarks

Armenian political analyst Hakob Badalyan has reacted to European Commissioner Marta Kos' statement that the European Union has moved its connectivity initiative in the South Caucasus into a "next phase," arguing that such language suggests concrete agreements may already have been reached with regional actors.

Kos, who recently visited Turkey, Azerbaijan and Armenia, said the trip advanced the EU's connectivity agenda to its "next phase," adding that the initiative could help secure lasting peace in the South Caucasus while diversifying trade and energy routes between Europe and Asia.

Responding to the remarks, Badalyan said the commissioner should clarify what she meant by the "next phase."

"What 'next phase' is she talking about?" he wrote on Telegram. "Her statement suggests that certain concrete agreements have been reached. If no such agreements exist, then what exactly constitutes this 'next phase'?"

He said it was also possible that Kos' remarks were intended more as political messaging than as a reflection of finalized agreements.

"It cannot be ruled out that Kos made the statement simply as part of an information or public relations strategy," he said, arguing that the current European Commission under President Ursula von der Leyen is facing political pressures within the European Union and has an incentive to project effectiveness.

At the same time, Badalyan argued that the EU is pursuing tangible agreements with Azerbaijan and Turkey.

"There is little doubt that the EU is seeking concrete agreements with Azerbaijan and Turkey, while trying to persuade Armenia to accept those arrangements by offering financial assistance in return," he said.