During the event organized to mark the fourth anniversary of the entire entry into force of the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the European Union and the Republic of Armenia, representatives of the European Union Delegation and the Government of the Republic of Armenia highlighted the deepening of the Armenia-EU partnership, assessed the progress of the CEPA Roadmap implementation, and discussed ways to enhance the effectiveness of the Agreement.

The external meeting, attended by around 80 participants, provided a platform for exchanges of views between partners and strategic discussions on the reforms stemming from the CEPA. Representatives of the Government of the Republic of Armenia spoke about their approaches to implementing the CEPA, presenting the main achievements for 2024, the current challenges, and the priority areas for further EU support.

The Head of the EU Delegation to Armenia, Ambassador Vassilis Maragos, reaffirmed the CEPA as the primary legal framework for EU-Armenia relations and highly appreciated Armenia's commitment to reforms despite the existing challenges. "We appreciate the progress made by the Armenian authorities, but we must work together to accelerate the reform process and deepen EU-Armenia cooperation, fully utilizing the full potential of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, especially in terms of implementing EU standards in ​​economic development. Armenia and the EU will soon conclude negotiations on a new partnership agenda, expanding our cooperation in security sector reforms and visa liberalization."

Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan noted in his opening remarks that "in light of geopolitical developments, the discussion and assessment of the vital agenda of Armenia, the reform process, is key, as its correct perception, recognition, and implementation are important for the country's sustainable development and progress." He added: "Despite the numerous internal and external challenges, the Armenian government is steadily moving along its outlined path of reform implementation, making necessary adjustments along the way and closely cooperating with the European Union." In his speech, the Deputy Prime Minister also highlighted the processes of forming ambitious approaches stemming from the deepening bilateral relations with the EU, in particular the new Armenia-EU Partnership Agenda currently under negotiation and the EU Resilience and Growth Plan to be provided to Armenia, which is currently under discussion with the European Commission to support it.

Invited speaker Ms. Meglena Kuneva, former European Union Commissioner for Consumer Affairs, former Deputy Prime Minister of Bulgaria, and former Head of the EU Delegation to the Council of Europe, presented Bulgaria's experience of reforms and EU membership. She emphasized the importance of a solid public administration system for successfully implementing EU-related reforms.

The second EAC external meeting reaffirmed the mutual commitment of the European Union and the Republic of Armenia to deepen cooperation within the Agreement's framework. The parties will continue to work together to promote reforms, strengthen governance, and deliver tangible results for Armenian citizens within the EAC.