The "Alternative Projects" group introduced the former Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Armen Gevorgyan "What is more sensible today?" Go to Europe or find it in the article 2 of our article. We publish it in full. "The only" useful "side of the law on the launch of Armenia's EU membership is for some Armenian circles to be the pre-election speculation of that idea.
There is a danger that the political manipulation and use of the European idea in terms of confrontation with the East, as well as for domestic political purposes, lead to the discrediting of that idea. The perception of ordinary citizens towards European attractiveness and prospects will gradually "will break down" because expectations will not coincide with the reality, and membership will remain unavailable.
As a result, this will lead to the new disappointment of the Armenian society. Just like the ratification of the Rome Statute. It did not benefit from Russia only with Russia, and Baku is actively using this fact (refusing to sign the lawsuits as an illusion of peace.
Meanwhile, the countries that have strategic interests in the region (China, Iran, India) will understand Armenia's geopolitical priorities and will record that they are not within the framework of the Brics or region. Everyone will talk about the right to Armenia's sovereign election, but they will actually be guided by the calculation that this choice must meet the interests of specific states and alliances.
In addition to everything, we should not forget about the PRO-Azerbaijani gas coalition within the European Union. These are the countries that receive Azerbaijani gas, thus servicing the geopolitical interests of the Aliyev family and hinder us initiatives. By the way, this is the second case when Azerbaijan, not the organization, can have a significant impact on its decisions on Armenia.
The European dream can be carried out
First of all, we must gradually refuse the widespread archival of our thinking and social behavior models. It is impossible to solve modern public development problems and strive for perfection, at the same time by being guided by old management methods, stimulating elective justice, deepening public polarization and confrontation.
For centuries, our ancestors have kept their national identity and culture, without being part of the European Development Role, and it has had an impact on our thinking, worldview, lives and public life in the Caucasus. Eastern Thinking and Eastern Character have become the majority of our lives, and it is difficult to say for sure today, more east and European, when it comes to the protection of the rights of family, gender issues or minority rights. Our society is ready to accept the most liberal values and traditions of modern European society as a norm. That's why first of all, we need to find Europe in ourselves to make sure that we are waiting for us in Europe.
In addition, we must be honest with both Europe and European prospects for the vast majority of the Armenian population without a visa to protect against the hypothetical readiness to protect us from external threats. They may take years and decades and do not end. By the way, the membership referendum can also fail. Therefore, instead of the distant and difficult feasibility of EU membership, it is necessary to offer a pragmatic program (non-membership) of the EU's deepening of relations with the EU, which will be mutually beneficial, practical and will have a tangible result for Armenian citizens. In addition to the EU's universal political agenda, as well as the already implemented programs, it is necessary to focus on five main areas.
Affirmation of visa mode
The EU's main expectation from the EU is to approve the visa regime. It is necessary to focus on successing this issue over the next 1.5-2 years. It will be the first and tangible success for Armenian citizens. At the same time, the solution to this issue largely depends on the Armenian side, which should be able to provide at least to the provision of biometric (biometric) passports for citizens.
"Discover Armenia" program
This program aims to increase the number of non-Diaspora Armenian tourists from EU countries to 500,000 in the coming years with a 7-8% increase in the coming years. This will allow you to make sustainable and developing services in Armenia (hotels, restaurants, travel agencies, air transportation, etc.). It is necessary to initiate a special information and advertising campaign on the Armenian heritage and tourism direction with the support of the EU.
EU Civil Protection Assistance
If the EU is really ready to support Armenia's security, territorial integrity and sovereignty, we must provide modern defense techniques for Armenia through the European Peace Foundation (not only tents and anti-gas). And if it is unrealistic, it is possible to discuss a program to create a modern civil defense system throughout Armenia.
Expansion of commercial cooperation
Within the framework of the EU-Armenia Comprehensive and Advanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA), it is necessary to increase the export of Armenian goods to the EU, market diversification, product quality and standards. I have to increase the export of 1.5 billion euros from Armenia (growth 2.5 times). For example, the EU can develop a special branding program: Armenian wine, fruit juices, vodka, jams and drinking water in the European market. This will contribute to the creation of new jobs in the agricultural and processing industry and maintaining existing jobs, as will reduce the EU migration flows from Armenia.
Development of innovative economy and promotion of repatriation
With the support of the EU, it is necessary to promote the development of an innovative economy in Armenia and start a joint repatriation program in this context that will help Armenians return to their homeland, involved in science, high technology and industry.
Predicted (preliminary and approximate assessments) programs will provide an additional 1.5 billion euros for the year of economic benefits of 1,000-1,500 euros and will maintain the negative migration balance, making it positive (year + 5,000-10,000 people).
