Today at the French University in Armenia EU expert and political scientist Nils Tgrsen read a lecture on “Europe and the world, European-adjacent areas”.
According to him, any state can apply for the EU membership, in accordance with the requirements and rules of the establishment, while also gaining a lot of rights. “At the moment, negotiations are underway with Iceland and Turkey: the latter still has a long way to go. We plan to negotiate with Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Albania.”
Referring Armenia’s membership the professor said, “There are a number of conditions which need to be implemented firstly for Armenia, not just to please us. Armenia, like other applicants, should adopt all the agreements of the EU for region. In addition, it should have a democracy, a clear separation of powers, an independent court, powerful protection of minority rights and women’s rights and equality in all dimensions. It should also provide free transportation and “withdraw the borders.”
Nils Tgrsen added that the above mention conditions do not mean that Armenia does not satisfy them.
Students of the French university interested in the fact why Turkey, which apllied for the EU membership from 1963, has not become a member until now. In response, Nils Tgrsen noted that some experts sometimes joke, saying that only the European part of Turkey can join EU. “In fact, Turkey is in the area of the EU, but it must meet the criteria for membership.”
Turning to the issue of recognition of the Genocide the expert said that the EU does not view it as a requirement. “In case of membership other countries should also say “yes”. Until Turkey does not accept the Genocide, France will not say “yes”, as France had already accepted it. Of course, it is impossible to enliven the victims, but Turkey should solve the problem and realize that it hampers its development.
