Armenia views the process of joining the European Union as a stimulus for deepening democratic and institutional reforms, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said during an official visit to Berlin.

Speaking at a panel discussion titled "Armenia’s vision for institutionalized peace, regional connectivity, and EU integration," he emphasized that launching the accession process sends a strong, binding message.

He recalled that in March, Armenia’s National Assembly adopted legislation formally initiating the EU accession process.

"Many ask when Armenia will join the EU and how realistic that goal is. The law initiating this process is, above all, a motivation for us to consistently implement democratic reforms. Our goal is to align institutionally and practically with European standards, as membership is impossible without them," Pashinyan stated, according to Armenpress.

He noted that if Armenia objectively meets EU standards, the country will face two options: to join or not to join. However, the government has already made a clear choice, and it is full EU membership. Even if this goal is not realized in the near future, the reform process will elevate Armenia, transforming it into a developed state aligned with European norms.

Pashinyan stressed that the drive to meet EU standards stems from Armenia’s political and democratic choices, not geopolitical considerations.

"Since the 2018 Velvet Revolution, Armenia has been strategically committed to democracy, rule of law, human rights, and an independent judiciary," he said.

Just a week ago, Armenia and the EU adopted a strategic agenda for partnership, complementing the existing Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement.

According to the Prime Minister, Armenia is currently exploring opportunities for integration into the EU's industrial sector, focusing on digital technologies, energy, communications, and telecommunications.

He also highlighted the economic dimension of his visit to Germany, noting the need to strengthen ties between Armenian and German businesses.

"Our government must support the mobility of our entrepreneurs, and I’m pleased to note that we’ve successfully launched dialogue with the EU on visa liberalization," he said.

Armenia has received an action plan for visa liberalization, outlining the government's priorities and commitments. If implemented successfully, the visa regime with the EU could be lifted, enabling more dynamic interactions.

Pashinyan expressed confidence that cooperation with the EU would continue to deepen.

"The 8th European Political Community Summit and the Armenia-EU Summit, to be held in Yerevan next May, will offer a new opportunity to assess progress and set fresh goals," he said.

He also emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral ties with EU member states, particularly Germany.

"Germany is a central partner for us. The adoption of the strategic agenda elevates our relations, creating new conditions for strategic partnership," Pashinyan concluded.

On December 2 in Brussels, following the 6th session of the Armenia-EU Partnership Council, Armenia and the European Union signed the Strategic Partnership Agenda. The document was signed by Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas.