Armenia’s Government Endorses Bill for EU Accession Path

Armenia‘s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ararat Mirzoyan, has announced plans to submit a bill to the parliament, urging the government to adopt a positive stance on the matter. He cited several necessary conditions for the bill’s success.

In recent years, Armenia and the European Union (EU) have developed quite intense and dynamic relations, according to Mirzoyan. The EU has expressed political support for the country and readiness to assist in strengthening Armenia’s economic stability.

However, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan clarified that the bill does not imply Armenia’s direct membership in the EU. He stated that a decision on this matter can only be made through a referendum. Once the law is passed, Armenia and the EU will discuss the path forward, taking into account each other’s perspectives.

In September, Armenia and the EU began negotiations on a visa-free regime. For Armenia’s citizens to travel to the EU without visas, significant reforms in key areas were required by the state institutions. These include border control, migration and asylum, anti-corruption measures, and respect for fundamental rights related to freedom of movement.

During his speech at the European Parliament in mid-October, Pashinyan referred to the EU as "the main partner supporting Armenia’s government in implementing fundamental reforms in recent years" and expressed Armenia’s readiness to further strengthen ties with the EU, provided the EU finds it feasible.