Armenia has rejected Azerbaijan’s criticism of the newly signed Armenia-EU strategic agenda, saying it solely supports efforts to consolidate peace in the region.

Armenian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ani Badalyan responded to Azerbaijan’s recent objections to the Armenia-EU Strategic Agenda document, signed on December 2 in Brussels, which Baku claims contradicts the peace process. According to Azerbaijan, certain phrases in the agreement should be removed.

Badalyan, quoted by Panorama.am , stated: “The Armenia-EU document solely contributes to efforts aimed at further consolidating peace in the region.”

She added that the agenda reflects the deepening bilateral partnership between Armenia and the European Union, based on shared values and mutual interests. The document, for which negotiations had been essentially concluded back in June, also outlines a joint vision for the future, reaffirming both parties’ commitment to regional stability, prosperity, and peace.

According to Badalyan, the same day also saw the adoption of a joint declaration at the EU-Armenia Partnership Council, in which the EU welcomed the historic milestone reached during the August peace summit in Washington between Armenia and Azerbaijan. This includes the pre-signing of the “Agreement on the Establishment of Peace and Interstate Relations” between the two countries. The EU reaffirmed its strong support for further strengthening and institutionalizing peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

On December 9, Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement calling the Armenia-EU document “contrary to the peace agenda with Azerbaijan,” as reported by Minval.az.

Baku specifically objected to the phrase “displaced Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh,” arguing they “left the country voluntarily and refused reintegration.” Referring to them as refugees, according to Azerbaijan, reflects a one-sided stance.

Azerbaijan also opposed the EU’s support for Armenia’s appeals to international courts, stating that discussing bilateral issues with a third party ignores Azerbaijan’s own submissions and contradicts the Washington draft agreement, which envisages the mutual withdrawal of claims.

Baku further objected to references in the EU-Armenia agreement calling for the release of “individuals convicted of war crimes,” who are described as detainees.

Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry also criticized the absence of any mention of the TRIPP project and the unilateral support for Armenia’s Crossroads of Peace initiative, questioning the seriousness of Armenia and the EU’s intentions.

The presence of the EU monitoring mission in Armenia was described as “a propaganda tool,” while the emphasis on defense and security issues was interpreted as promoting Armenia’s militarization.

Baku said it expects Armenia and the EU to take steps to remove “harmful provisions” and will continue to monitor the situation closely, taking appropriate measures as needed.

On December 2, during the sixth session of the EU-Armenia Partnership Council in Brussels, 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.