Armenia wants to enter the EU. Ambitious country plans for European integration

Does Armenia want to enter the EU? And is the European Union ready for another enlargement of the South Caucasus country?

Armenia wants to enter the EU

Armenia intensifys its efforts to strengthen relations with the European Union (EU) and seeks integration in many key areas. Both the government and Armenian society are clearly in favour of deeper cooperation with Europe, and crucial steps have been taken in fresh months to bring Armenia closer to the EU community. 1 of the key objectives of Armenia is to become an EU associate and to liberalise the visa movement for its citizens. This is all part of the country's long-term improvement strategy and its relation with the European Union.

Armenia strengthens cooperation with the EU

In October 2024, the sixth session of the Armenia-EU Trade Partnership Committee was held in Brussels. In this session, the parties discussed key issues related to the implementation of the Comprehensive and Reinforced Partnership Agreement (CEPA). CEPA, signed in 2017, is the foundation of cooperation between Armenia and the European Union, and 1 of its main objectives is to strengthen Armenia's economical and political integration with Europe.

The session discussed, among another things, the termination of Armenia's usage of the geographical indication ‘cognac’ for products originating in that country. In accordance with Article 237 of the CEPA, Armenia has undertaken to discontinue the usage of that name, which is part of the broader contractual obligations. In addition, the European Union has offered method and financial support to Armenian industry, which aims to keep the country's competitiveness on global markets.

The EU is continuing its cooperation with Armenia on safety as well. "The EU has very good cooperation with Armenia and is working to deepen it. They cooperate in various areas, including security, so that Armenia can benefit from the European Instrument for Peace," said Vassilis Maragos, Ambassador of the European Union to Armenia.

Visa liberalisation on the horizon

In July 2024, the European Commission announced the launch of a dialog with Armenia on visa liberalisation. The aim of this process is to yet introduce visa-free travel for citizens of Armenia, which will require compliance with the applicable criteria. The dialog discussed reforms in areas specified as travel paper security, border management, migration, asylum and human rights issues.

The visa liberalisation dialog is an chance for Armenia to improve relations with the EU and simplify travel procedures for its citizens. "I hope that the visa liberalisation dialog with the EU will have affirmative results and that the visa-free movement will apply to the citizens of Armenia", stressed Ambassador Maragos. Armenian citizens have benefited from visa facilitation since 2014, but full liberalisation can greatly facilitate short-term travel to the Schengen area.

Social support for EU membership

With the intensifying of the government's efforts to integrate with the EU, the Armenian society is besides increasingly in favour of EU membership. A citizens' run was carried out in Armenia to collect signatures for the adoption of policies aiming at integration with the EU. As part of this initiative, 50,000 signatures have already been collected, making it possible to proceed to address this issue in the Armenian National Assembly.

If the Armenian Parliament does not pass the draft law on EU integration, it will be essential to collect 300,000 signatures in order to hold a national referendum. Armenian society and its democratic structures will have a decisive voice on this issue. "Armenian society and its democracy should decide what they want to do about EU membership," Maragos added.

Armenia looks at Europe

However, Armenia's way to membership of the European Union is not easy or short. As the experience of another countries shows, this process requires many years of improvement and compliance with EU law, economy and interior policy standards. Examples include Armenia's neighbours, specified as Georgia and Ukraine, who besides search to strengthen their cooperation with the EU. Like these countries, Armenia must implement reforms in the areas of justice, the fight against corruption and respect for democratic principles.

However, the political and economical benefits of EU membership are enormous. Armenia hopes for economical development, investment and improving the quality of life of its citizens, which is straight linked to the introduction of EU standards. Improving access to the European market, developing trade and strengthening Armenia's global position are objectives that both the government and society have set themselves.

All these steps indicate that Armenia wants to enter the EU and is ready to address integration challenges. Visa liberalisation, industrial sector improvement and social engagement are crucial elements of this road.

AI World, Armenia, European Union /NMM/ source: News.am 27.10.2024