On December 2, during the 6th session of the Armenia-EU Partnership Council, the "Strategic Agenda for the Armenia-EU Partnership" was signed.
In this regard, Minister Mirzoyan noted in his speech: "A few minutes ago, we adopted the new Armenia-EU Strategic Agenda, which complements the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and elevates our partnership agenda to a strategic level. The Armenia-EU partnership is entering a new and more ambitious phase, with a shared vision and responsibility, aimed at continuously delivering concrete results for our citizens."
EU High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy Kaja Kallas: "Today we adopted the new Strategic Agenda for the Armenia-EU Partnership, and this is our joint aspiration to work together in more areas. This includes your reforms, such as strengthening the rule of law, diversifying and modernizing the Armenian economy, and, for example, cooperation on visa liberalization and security issues.
Today, I am pleased to announce the allocation of €15 million to strengthen peace and a more resilient Armenia. These funds will finance several initiatives, including the training of demining specialists and the acquisition of equipment, as well as regional confidence-building measures."
EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos: "Today, we have adopted a new strategic agenda that reflects this significant moment in our bilateral relations.
We are working together to achieve visa liberalisation for Armenia. Last month, we witnessed the handover of the Visa Liberalisation Action Plan [to Armenia]. And why is this so important? There are many Armenians living in Europe, and we want to make it easier for you to travel to Europe, to visit your relatives, to come as tourists, and also as friends."
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The Armenia-EU Strategic Partnership Agenda is an essential step towards developing relations between the two sides. It is built on APA's foundation, setting ambitious priorities across several areas. The Agenda reflects shared values and mutual interests and is a testament to the commitment of Armenia and the EU to deepen cooperation in all areas.
The Armenia-EU Strategic Partnership Agenda also reflects the European aspirations of Armenia's citizens and the EU's commitment to supporting Armenia's democratic development, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and socio-economic resilience. The EU highly appreciates Armenia's commitment to European values and its aspiration to deepen integration with the European family.
The Armenia-EU partnership is at a pivotal stage. The Armenia-EU Strategic Partnership Agenda sets out our shared vision for the future, reflecting our shared commitment to strengthening stability, prosperity, and peace in the region, and promising tangible results. Working together, the EU and Armenia can deliver on the ambitious goals set out in the Agenda, creating a more prosperous and secure future for all.
The EU appreciates Armenia's commitment to democracy, the rule of law, and human rights, as well as the significant progress made in this regard, given the challenging regional situation that Armenia is currently facing. It appreciates Armenia's commitment to ensuring the proper functioning of democratic institutions and views the EPRDF as a reform plan for the country's modernisation.
The EU will assist Armenia in achieving the objectives and implementing the priorities set out in the Armenia-EU Strategic Partnership Agenda. The EU will do this by using all available sources of support, including expertise and advice, best practices, information exchange, capacity-building support, and institutional strengthening and support instruments.
Key priorities include socio-economic development, trade diversification, stability and resilience, addressing geopolitical and regional challenges, and countering targeted hybrid and other threats.
The dialogue on visa liberalization is also an essential joint priority. The process aims to support Armenia in establishing a visa-free regime for short-term visits within the EU and the Schengen area, provided that appropriate conditions for effectively managed mobility and security are ensured.
Armenia has made significant progress in implementing reforms in key areas such as justice, the fight against corruption and the rule of law, freedom of expression and media freedom, police reform and the strengthening of democratic institutions (e.g. by establishing a Ministry of Internal Affairs), as well as in the areas of education, healthcare, social protection, migration and civil protection.
Economic cooperation, trade diversification, and connectivity are also key pillars of the Agenda. Through joint action, Armenia and the EU can unlock new opportunities for economic growth, create jobs, raise well-being levels, and improve the quality of life for the population.
The security situation in the region remains volatile. This strategic Agenda of the Armenia-EU partnership includes security and defence as a new area of cooperation, aiming to increase Armenia's resilience and stability. For example, in 2024, the EU adopted the first-ever measure to provide support to the Armenian armed forces under the European Peace Facility.
