Recent news from Armenia is rather distressing. We witnessed the selection of a single candidate and his election as president of the Republic of Armenia by the sole will of the Prince. Choosing the prime minister will take place only after April 9, when the current president’s term will end, and Parliament will have eight days to propose candidates and elect one.

Any strategic thinking in international politics starts from asking the right questions. In Armenia's case these questions have so far at best been asked on individual level yet without institutionalized consistency.

VILNIUS, November 24, 2013 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- New format for EU-Armenia cooperation requires Armenia to seriously fight corruption. Ahead of the Vilnius Summit on the EU's Eastern Partnership (EaP) on 28/29 November 2013, one impression is that a huge possibility has been lost for the EU to strengthen the ties with its eastern neighbours. First, there is the situation regarding the Ukraine. European leaders will most likely veto any deal on free trade as long as former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko is not released from prison. Second, there is the situation regarding Armenia, arguably one of the more unfortunate setbacks in the run-up to the summit.

Elections in the Post-Soviet space are increasingly an European task and responsibility but mostly are leaving everything the way it is. Just take a look on Ukraine. Armenia is also preparing to hold elections in 2013. The European Union is getting ready for surprises but is more prepared after the Ukraine's election in 2012. Perhaps... There are more "sticks" than "carrots" for EU support of EU-Armenian relations. But Russia is offering more "security carrots" than "democracy sticks". But everything depends on Armenia.