Armenia Approves Law Initiating EU Membership Process
YEREVAN — In a significant stride towards European integration, Armenia’s government endorsed on Thursday a bill that kickstarts the process of the country’s accession to the European Union (EU), local news outlet Armenia News reported.
Ararat Mirzoyan, Armenia’s Foreign Minister, confirmed the cabinet’s approval of the bill, which will now be forwarded to the National Assembly for further deliberation. Mirzoyan emphasized the necessity of the government backing the bill, outlining several supporting factors.
Relations between Armenia and the EU have strengthened considerably in recent years, Mirzoyan stated, with the EU expressing political support and readiness to buoy Armenia’s economic stability.
However, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan clarified that the bill does not imply Armenia’s immediate entry into the EU and that a direct membership decision can only be made through a referendum. Once the law is adopted, Pashinyan said, negotiations with the EU will commence regarding the pathway forward for Armenia’s integration.
In September, Armenia and the EU initiated talks on a visa-free regime. The conditional lifting of visa requirements for Armenian citizens traveling to EU countries short-term hinges on Armenia implementing substantial reforms across key areas. Key aspects of this process involve travel document security, border management, migration and asylum policies, anti-corruption efforts, and upholding fundamental rights related to free movement.
Showcasing Armenia’s commitment to these reforms, Pashinyan remarked during a speech at the European Parliament in mid-October, "The EU is our main partner that has supported the fundamental reforms undertaken by Armenia’s government in recent years," and expressed Armenia’s readiness to further ties with the EU "to the extent that the EU considers it possible."
The road to EU membership for Armenia, though strewn with complexities, undoubtedly signifies a progressive step towards deeper integration with the European community.
