MFA: Adoption of the law on launching Armenia`s EU accession process  does not mean applying for membership

ArmInfo. The adoption of a bill on launching the process of Armenia's accession to the European Union  does not mean that  an application for membership in this  structure will be submitted. Deputy Foreign Minister of the Republic  of Armenia Paruyr Hovhannisyan clarified this  during a session in  the National Assembly on February 11.

According to him, the document simply reaffirms Yerevan's commitment  to  strengthening its relations with the EU and aims to elevate these  relations to a new level. However, as the Deputy Minister emphasized,  the presented draft law aligns with the government's strategy of  pursuing a balanced policy in the spheres of economy and security.  This strategy has been evident in recent years, with significant  progress in enhancing relations with the EU and its member states  across various areas of cooperation.

As noted by Hovhannisyan, negotiations on visa liberalization started  in September 2024 with ongoing talks on various technical issues.  Additionally, there is a draft document outlining a new agenda for  relations between Armenia and the EU, which will complement the  Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement across several  areas. These documents, as the Deputy Minister noted,  will serve as  the basis for establishing a legal framework between the parties.  Moreover, Armenia has become a participant in the EU Peace Facility,  an important political decision made by Brussels. Since 2022, an EU  civilian observation mission has been active in Armenia,  demonstrating its effectiveness in promoting peace and security in  the region. The EU also remains one of the country's main donors. 

It should be noted that on February 11, the National Assembly of the  Republic of Armenia began discussions on the draft law "On Launching  the Process of Armenia's Accession to the European Union".  Artak  Zeynalyan, former RA Justice minister and an authorized  representative of a civil initiative that collected over 50,000  citizens' signatures for the adoption of the bill, clarified that the  draft law doesn't signify the country's direct accession to the EU,  but rather marks the initial step towards this goal.  Zeynalyan noted  that Armenia's participation in the Council of Europe and the ECHR  alone helped resolve many legal issues. Now it is necessary to take  the next step towards integration with the EU. He acknowledged that  this journey will require the help of qualified specialists and  advisers to facilitate a smooth transition for the country.

 The former minister recalled that Armenia is currently part of a  single customs area with the Eurasian Economic Union. According to  the current situation, Armenia is aligning the standards of its  products and services with EU standards, which also apply to the  EAEU. "Large funds are being spent on establishing relevant  laboratories to ensure that products meet EU standards," Zeynalyan  said. He added that the process of joining the EU does not mean  cutting all ties with the EAEU. This process is aimed to assess new  markets and diversify them.

Zeynalyan noted that there were initial challenges with complex  logistics in the EAEU, but this issue was eventually resolved.  Similar efforts will be made for EU markets, where Armenian products  are already presented. The focus will be on developing new routes for  shipping goods.