Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan received a delegation led by Gert Jan Koopman, Director-General for Enlargement and Neighbourhood at the European Commission, to discuss the current stage of EU-Armenia relations.
Pashinyan emphasized the importance of expanding ties between Armenia and the European Union and reiterated his government’s readiness to deepen cooperation across all areas. He noted that Armenia’s relationship with the EU is based on shared values, mutual respect, and partnership, centered on strengthening democracy and the rule of law.
Koopman praised the EU-Armenia partnership, stating, “The EU sees Armenia as a trustworthy and credible partner.” He highlighted the symbolic significance of the recent law passed by Armenia’s National Assembly on initiating the process of accession to the European Union.
“This is an important message that reflects Armenia’s sincere and consistent European choice,” Koopman said.
He added that the EU welcomes the Armenian government’s ambitious reform agenda and is committed to supporting initiatives that promote sustainable development and strengthen civil society.
The two sides discussed the ongoing implementation of the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA), as well as directions for economic and sectoral cooperation. They addressed progress in digitization, green energy, educational reform, infrastructure development, and democratic transformation.
Attention was also given to the 2025–2027 initiatives planned under the Resilience and Growth Plan presented in Brussels in 2024, with both parties stressing the need for continued cooperation to fulfill these commitments.
Regional stability and security were also discussed, particularly in relation to the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process.
On March 26, Armenia’s National Assembly passed in final reading the bill initiating the EU accession process. The government had approved the bill, proposed by the Eurovote civic initiative, on January 9. The EU has not officially invited Armenia to join, and opposition parties have criticized the law as legally unfounded. Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk has warned that Armenia cannot “sit on two chairs” and will have to choose between the Eurasian Economic Union and the EU.
