Armenian government approves launch of EU accession process
Tengrinews.kz - The Armenian government has approved a bill to begin the process of the country’s accession to the European Union, according to News.am.
The proposal was presented by Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, who emphasized that Armenia’s relations with the EU have become more dynamic and multifaceted in recent years, encompassing various sectors. According to Mirzoyan, the EU’s strong democratic traditions, advanced economy, cutting-edge science, and open competitive environment make it an attractive partner for Armenia.
"Mr. Prime Minister, you stated in the European Parliament that Armenia is ready to get as close to the EU as the EU deems possible. We have also seen signs that this is feasible, including the initiation of visa liberalization talks and several other instruments being implemented or discussed with the EU. Based on all this, we propose giving a positive response. Of course, we also have some proposals, primarily concerning legal aspects," Mirzoyan said.
According to Sputnik Armenia, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan clarified that the bill should not be seen as an immediate application for EU membership. Its main goal is to demonstrate Armenia’s readiness to engage in practical steps toward closer integration with the EU.
"It’s necessary to develop an action plan and understand how we envision this process, as well as how the EU perceives it. This path involves many aspects that require detailed discussions. Only after negotiations will it become clear whether a referendum on EU membership is warranted," Pashinyan stated.
The Armenian Prime Minister also stressed that discussions about potential EU membership should neither provoke excessive optimism nor cause undue tension.
"All decisions must be made solely in accordance with Armenia’s national interests," Pashinyan concluded.
Recently, Romania and Bulgaria became full members of the European Union's border-free Schengen area.
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