EU Stunned by Armenia U-Turn

[Arsen_]

EU Stunned by Armenia U-Turn

(Insight and analysis from The Wall Street Journal and Dow Jones team in Brussels)

By Naftali Bendavid and Laurence Norman

European diplomats have been stunned this week by the announcement that Armenia, which had been on track to strengthen ties with the European Union in November, will instead join a customs union led by Russia.

Read more here:

http://blogs.wsj.com/brussels/2013/09/04/eu-stunned-by-armenia-u-turn/

[Albion]

Not really unexpected. Armenia has strong trade and military ties with Russia and few with the rest of Europe. Whilst I'm generally opposed to the Eurasian Union, for countries such as Armenia that rely on Russia I guess it makes sense.
Free access to Armenia's largest market (Russia) and more favourable trade terms are probably better than what the EU can offer - aid and not much else.

[mr. logan]

Good news.

[rashka]

Next should be Serbia to join.

[RussiaPrussia]

http://travelingev.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/armenia-map.jpg

So they are stunned that a country which is closer to iran than to europe is joining countries like kazakstan and russia?