Discussions on potential visa liberalization between the European Union and Armenia kicked off on Monday in Yerevan with the Vice President of the European Commission, Margaritis Schinas, and Armenia’s Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan.
“The goal is to reach the endpoint as soon as possible, but there is no automation in this process. It will be demanding and will require a significant degree of commitment from the Armenian government, alongside our support. However, I am confident that, considering the impressive achievements of the Armenian authorities and their determination, we will move forward quickly,” said a joint statement by the two leaders after their meeting.
“Today, we have initiated this process at the political level, and at the technical level, our teams are working together on very specific issues that need to be resolved,” the Vice President of the European Commission said.
“It is a very important and historic day, and I am very pleased that Armenian parliament lawmakers and deputy ministers are accompanying us during this significant occasion. We are also delighted that Armenia stands as an anchor of stability and sanity in a very turbulent region. The quality and depth of relations between the European Union and Armenia demonstrate that this country is committed to the ideas of peace and stability in the region,” the European official said.
“Today’s step to initiate the dialogue on visa liberalization should not be seen as an isolated initiative. It should be viewed as another manifestation of the European Union’s committed attitude towards Armenia,” Schinas said, emphasizing the official start of the dialogue on visa liberalization.
He emphasized that, once the negotiation phase is completed, all Armenian citizens will be able to travel freely to the European Union for short visits.
Referring to other areas of cooperation, Schinas noted that, in collaboration with American partners, a new resilience and growth plan amounting to 270 million euros has been announced for Armenia, in addition to the 600 million euros already invested in the country.
The Vice President of the European Commission considered the EU Monitoring Mission in Armenia as tangible evidence of the EU support.
“We are now very pleased that, for the first time in history, Armenia is able to receive support for its armed forces under the Instrument for Peace. All this proves that the country has implemented impressive democratic reforms, which have strengthened its resilience in recent years,” Schinas said.
“Armenia attaches great importance to the commencement of the dialogue on the liberalization of entry permits and visas. We understand that achieving the final goal requires consistent and targeted efforts. We address this process as a strategic agenda in the areas of migration, movement of people, and border management,” Grigoryan emphasized.
He noted that the official announcement of this process marks the beginning of efforts to achieve the liberalization of entry permits and the visa regime by the EU.
“I would like to reiterate Armenia’s commitment to advancing our cooperation with the European Commission by implementing the necessary reforms outlined in the bilateral agenda. This agenda is aimed at further developing and deepening Armenia-EU relations,” said Grigoryan.
The deputy prime minister said that EU-Armenian relations have “never been as intense” as they are currently.
“I am pleased to report that the agenda of Armenia-EU relations has been enriched with new, important components, such as the initiation of the political and security dialogue and the deployment of the EU civilian observation mission in Armenia,” Grigoryan said.
“Negotiations are currently underway on a new agenda with more ambitious and comprehensive partnership priorities, as well as a resilience and growth program aimed at expanding the horizons of cooperation, implementing democratic reforms, and ensuring socio-economic stability,” Grigoryan added.
According to the deputy prime minister, systematic work toward the complete implementation of the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement is ongoing. Grigoryan emphasized that the localization of EU best practices is an integral part of the reform agenda in Armenia.
Grigoryan also highlighted the significance of the Armenia-EU joint investment platform, which facilitates the effective implementation of benchmark programs developed under the EU economic and investment plan.
