Armenia and the European Union have started negotiations on visa liberalization, the country’s government website reported today, September 9.
“The aim of this process is to assist Armenia in establishing a visa-free regime for short-term visits to EU countries, providing the necessary conditions for effectively managed mobility and security.” – emphasized on information.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan met with a delegation headed by the Vice President of the European Commission Margaritis Schinaswhere he stated:
“I am glad that there have been significant changes in our relations, negotiations on visa liberalisation are underway, a decision was made to support the Republic of Armenia by the European Peace Foundation, which we highly appreciate.”
According to the Prime Minister, Armenia is expanding its agenda with the European Union; not only visa liberalization is being discussed, but also the possibility of initiating the process of the republic’s accession to the union.
Nikol Pashinyan spoke about the discussions on Armenia’s accession to the EU, including those related to his speech in the European Parliament in October 2023:
“This is a difficult issue, but it has become part of Armenia’s political agenda, so it is necessary to address this issue in a detailed and comprehensive manner. Here too, it will be important to listen to the comments and advice of our EU partners.”
Margaritis Schinas stressed the interest of the European Union in developing relations with Armenia and promoting reforms in the country.
The Vice-President of the European Commission expressed hope for effective cooperation with the Government of Armenia in the dialogue on visa liberalisation.
In July, a member of the Armenian parliament from the ruling Civil Contract party Alexey Sandykov Speaking to Izvestia, he noted that the republic’s rapprochement with the EU in the context of visa liberalization and the allocation of funds for the country’s military needs does not mean the Transcaucasian republic’s withdrawal from the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).
According to his information, the issue of Armenia’s withdrawal from the organisation is not being discussed in the republic’s parliament either.
Visa liberalisation means that citizens of a non-EU country can temporarily enter the Schengen area without a visa and stay in the country for 90 days within a 180-day period. The measure is based on the principle of reciprocity and applies to citizens of EU countries who want to visit a non-EU country.
On 17 July, the Committee of Permanent Representatives to the Council of the EU approved the EC proposal to start a dialogue with Armenia on this issue.
On July 22, the European Union decided for the first time to allocate funds to Armenia to support the armed forces. At the same meeting of the EU Council, a decision was made to start a dialogue on visa liberalization.
At the same time, as reported, Armenia will participate in the BRICS summit in Kazan at the level of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, the press service of the country’s government reported on September 6.
