EU, Armenia push forward on visa liberalization

PanARMENIAN.Net - During a joint press conference in Brussels with EU High Representative Kaja Kallas and Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan stated that Armenia–EU cooperation has reached a new phase, expanding beyond the scope of the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

He outlined four key areas of progress:

Visa liberalization:

“We’ve launched the visa liberalization process, and we see progress through the implementation of the action plan. Ultimately, this will lead to visa-free travel for Armenian citizens,” Mirzoyan said.

Security and defense cooperation:

Mirzoyan noted that Armenia has received its first package of assistance under the EU’s Peace Facility and signed agreements during Kalas’s visit, including discussions on Armenia’s potential participation in EU common security and defense policy.

Economy and reform:

The Resilience and Growth Plan, he said, is critical for reforms and expanding strategic investments—especially in light of emerging hybrid threats.

Connectivity:

He emphasized Armenia’s alignment with the EU’s Global Gateway and Black Sea strategies. They discussed unblocking regional infrastructure, the TRIPP program, and the historic August 8 agreements in Washington. He also highlighted the potential impact of opening the Armenia–Turkey border and launching major infrastructure projects.

Marta Kos confirmed that the EU has handed over the visa liberalization roadmap to Armenia. She emphasized the importance of the process for enhancing people-to-people ties.

“Why is this important? Because many Armenians live in the EU, and we want to make it easier for Armenian citizens to visit their families and friends,” Kos said.

She also stressed the EU’s focus on boosting Armenia’s resilience, including support for displaced persons from Nagorno-Karabakh, and mentioned ongoing efforts to strengthen digital, energy, and transport connectivity.

On December 2, Armenia and the EU signed a new strategic partnership agenda during the 6th Armenia–EU Partnership Council meeting in Brussels. The agreement was signed by Ararat Mirzoyan and Kaja Kallas.