When Can the Visa Liberalization Dialogue Begin? EU Delegation Head in Armenia Answers

The European Union is committed to peace and stability in the South Caucasus region, investing high-level political capital towards this direction. The EU will also consider the further support for individuals forcibly displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh and settled in Armenia. Regarding Armenia-EU bilateral relations, the EU and Armenia are actively working together to determine areas for future cooperation.

In an interview with Armenpress, the head of the EU delegation in Armenia, Ambassador Vasilis Maragos, addressed issues concerning both the Azerbaijani aggression against Nagorno-Karabakh and the EU's support for the forcibly displaced, as well as the bilateral agenda between Armenia and the EU, including visa liberalization.

“Mr. Ambassador, as you know, after Azerbaijan's large-scale military assault, Nagorno-Karabakh has been depopulated, with over 100,000 Armenians relocating to Armenia, leaving their birthplace and homes. Azerbaijan has effectively implemented its ethnic cleansing policy in Nagorno-Karabakh. First, I would like to know your opinion on this situation and Azerbaijan’s behavior. Up to this point, we have heard condemnatory statements, but why is the EU not taking effective measures to impose sanctions on Azerbaijan?”

“Let me be very clear: the European Union is committed to peace and stability in this region, and we are investing significant political capital in this process. As I mentioned, the EU has clearly expressed its position against the use of force and in support of the rights of the people in Nagorno-Karabakh. Since Toivo Klaar, the EU's Special Representative for the South Caucasus, recently provided extensive comments to Armenpress, I will refrain from further commentary on these issues.”

“Azerbaijan has violated Armenia's territorial integrity since May 2021 by invading Armenian sovereign territory. I would again ask you to present your position regarding this fact. What diplomatic influence can the EU have, to pressure Azerbaijan to restore Armenia's territorial integrity and also to return the Armenian prisoners unlawfully held in Azerbaijan?”

“The European Union, including the EU civilian mission in Armenia, as well as through communications with Yerevan and Baku, clearly understands the situation on the ground. We also understand how important these issues are for Armenia and, more broadly, for peace and stability in the region, which is our primary goal. The EU has repeatedly called on the parties to guarantee the non-use of force and to ensure distance between forces to reduce tensions and potential escalation on the ground. We have also called for resolving all issues through peaceful means within the framework of the delimitation commissions and broader processes for regulating relations. We hope that certain understandings can be reached soon on these and other issues, including at the next meeting of the delimitation commissions between Armenia and Azerbaijan, scheduled for November 30, 2023.”

“Mr. Ambassador, the EU announced that it is providing an additional 5 million euros in humanitarian aid for the needs of forcibly displaced persons from Nagorno-Karabakh. However, the Prime Minister of Armenia later stated in the European Parliament that Armenia needs the support of the international community to help those displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh. Is the EU considering the possibility of additional support?”

“To date, the EU, together with its member states, has provided over 50 million euros for the urgent support of refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh. This assistance has been delivered in various ways. We have already provided material assistance and are working with humanitarian sector partners to deliver it. Our humanitarian support mainly includes food, hygiene items, shelter, and means of subsistence. More than 60% of refugees have already benefited from our support. We are also working with the Government to provide a budget support package of 15 million euros, as announced by European Commission President von der Leyen in Granada. This package will contribute to the Government’s multifaceted support, including addressing the needs for cash assistance, food, energy, and temporary shelter for refugees. The issue of further support will also be considered in the context of our ongoing discussions with the Government on strengthening EU-Armenia relations. The humanitarian needs of the more than 100,000 Armenians who fled to Armenia from Nagorno-Karabakh continue to remain a focus of the EU.”

“The EU's civilian mission in Armenia is also active, monitoring the Armenian side of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border and reporting to the EU. What records have the EU made based on these reports up to this point? We have not encountered any official statements. There are opinions that the mission is responding too late to border incidents; what do you have to say about this? Does the EU plan to expand the number of mission members soon?”

“The EU mission in Armenia is mandated to observe and report on the situation on the Armenian side of the Armenian-Azerbaijani state border, contributing to the security of people in areas affected by the conflict, and with the aim of fostering trust between the populations of Armenia and Azerbaijan and, where possible, between the authorities. All EU civilian missions present their reports to the EU and EU member states. Since the deployment of the mission, there has been movement towards stabilizing the on-ground situation, thus the mission is clearly fulfilling its obligations under its mandate. Regarding the expansion of the mission, as recently mentioned by EU High Representative Borrell, we are working on deploying more observers and patrols. I would like to add that since my arrival in September 2023, I have met with many of the observers and closely follow their activities. I am impressed by their professionalism and dedication. I am also touched by the warm reception of the Armenian people, which is highly appreciated by the EU and contributes to the mission's work.”

“Recently, after the visit to Granada, Armenia's Prime Minister stated in an interview that there is a consensus on deepening relations with the EU. Can it be assumed that aside from the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement, there are or will be other agreements as well?”

“Both the EU and Armenia are primarily interested in accelerating the implementation of the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement, which holds great potential, and numerous initiatives are being implemented based on this agreement. We are currently working actively to leverage this agreement’s potential further and bring more benefits to the citizens and businesses of Armenia. On October 26-27, the European Council invited the EU High Representative and the Commission to present options for best strengthening the EU-Armenia relations across all dimensions. On November 13, the Foreign Affairs Council held its first discussion regarding various areas of cooperation, including security. We are now actively working with our Armenian partners to determine areas for future collaboration. For this purpose, this week a team from the EU foreign services and the European Commission arrived in Armenia to discuss with our Armenian partners the possible prospects for strengthening EU-Armenia relations. The EU High Representative will also invite the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia to join the EU Foreign Ministers' meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council to continue discussions in this direction. This meeting is scheduled to occur in December.”

“Mr. Ambassador, currently many citizens of Armenia are facing difficulties in scheduling appointments for visas at EU countries' embassies. When can the visa liberalization dialogue begin?”

“Let me be very clear: Armenians are greatly benefiting from the visa facilitation agreement, with an increase in the issuance of multiple-entry visas. However, we are well aware of the challenges and are actively working to address them. Two weeks ago, we had a very productive meeting in the joint committee on visa facilitation, where the progress achieved was recorded, and all issues were discussed in detail. Regarding the increase in the number of visa applications, the Commission has requested member countries to improve their operational capacities to address the increase in visa applications by providing more time for appointments. I want to remind you that the Foreign Affairs Council discussed the possibilities of visa regime liberalization for Armenia on November 13, 2023. We will actively work in the coming period to explore such options.