EPP backs Armenia’s reforms, RPA calls the move misguided

PanARMENIAN.Net - At its congress in Valencia, the European People's Party (EPP) adopted an urgent resolution titled "The Current Political Situation in Armenia," applauding Armenia's domestic political reforms, including the strengthening of democracy, human rights protection, and rule of law. It also commended efforts to normalize ties with Azerbaijan and Turkey.

The resolution, authored by MEPs Miriam Lexmann (Slovakia) and Rasa Juknevičienė (Lithuania), recognized Armenia's Crossroads of Peace initiative, which aims to make the country a regional connector. It welcomed the recent legislation engaging Armenia in the EU accession process and underscored that continued dialogue and reform are vital steps on the path toward potential EU membership.

The EPP acknowledged Armenia's geopolitical shift away from the Kremlin, following the suspension of participation in the CSTO from August 2024 and new legal commitments toward European alignment. The document praised Armenia’s reduced reliance on the Eurasian Economic Union and supported the extension of the EU Civilian Mission's mandate as a stabilizing factor.

It also emphasized the importance of liberalizing the EU-Armenia visa regime, supporting Armenia through the European Peace Facility, and promoting closer trade and economic ties. Constructive dialogue with Turkey and ongoing negotiations with Azerbaijan were cited, despite challenges since the 2023 conflict.

The EPP called for the immediate, unconditional release of Armenian prisoners in Baku and reaffirmed the ethnic Armenians’ right to return to Nagorno-Karabakh.

However, Armenia's Republican Party (RPA) strongly condemned the resolution, arguing it contradicts national interests. In a statement, RPA claimed the resolution was drafted in the ruling party’s offices and lobbied into the EPP agenda without consultation with Armenian EPP member parties. The statement criticized the EPP’s approach as violating its principles of solidarity, transparency, and inclusion.

RPA further claimed the resolution reflects the government’s reckless agenda and expressed concerns over EU double standards—supporting imposed peace on Armenia while opposing it in Ukraine. It also condemned the document’s vague references to Armenian prisoners and cultural destruction in Nagorno-Karabakh as inadequate compared to earlier European Parliament resolutions.

The party warned that the resolution contradicted previous EPP assessments of Armenia’s political landscape.