Piotr Świtalski: People in Armenia do not know how the EU functions (video)

People in Armenia are not well informed of the European Union, says Head of the EU delegation to Armenia, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Piotr Świtalski. “They do not know how the European Union functions and what influence the EU can have on its member states. At present, Armenia has no opportunity to join the EU but it is important that people [in Armenia] know how the structure operates. EU’s influence on Armenia is significant, in a positive sense,” says Mr. Świtalski. Anyway, he is not upset and says everything is in the hands of the, moreover, he sees European spirit in them. “The aim of the European Union is to keep the Armenian youth here, in Armenia, instead of attracting them outside their country. You are my priority, because Armenia needs you here, not in another country,” he said. Piotr Świtalski met on Friday with a group of Armenian students within the framework of the Armenia Model European Union Conference 2017. One of the students asked the head of the EU delegation whether the European Union does not consider the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) its competitor in relations with Armenia. “I am not jealous when I hear that Armenia starts relations with Russia or the United States, I am glad. It is not a problem, if Armenia maintains good relations with us, as well. We do not feel any competition; we even encourage Armenia to have more partners," he said.