Armenia's EU deal keeps options open and Russia happy

Significance

The agreement is designed to fall short of a full EU association agreement because Armenia remains in the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union (EEU). All parties say they are comfortable with the arrangement. Armenia is the only EEU member to obtain such a partnership deal with the EU.

Impacts

• Armenia has a chance to rebuild its international standing, compromised after its U-turn in 2013.
• The deal will test the Armenian government's political will to reform.
• Moscow may try to showcase the deal as a sign of willingness to compromise with the West.