Significant Setback in Visa Regime Liberalization with EU, Says Deputy Foreign Minister

Significant setbacks have been recorded in the liberalization of the visa regime with the European Union (EU). This was announced by Deputy Foreign Minister Paruyr Hovhannisyan during a session of the National Assembly's European Integration Committee.

“Unfortunately, there is one area, one issue where we have not yet achieved the desired results. Work with the EU has been unprecedentedly intensive, and there is progress in all directions. But in one issue, both in relations with the EU and with individual member states, the situation is far from being positive. This concerns visas,” he said.

According to Hovhannisyan, work has been done in this direction at all levels. However, it cannot be said that progress has been made. “On the contrary, a significant setback has been recorded. Even for students going on the Erasmus program, although it was assumed that they would not face any issues. It also concerns certain officials. In addition, we have received numerous complaints from citizens,” noted Hovhannisyan.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he said, is trying to intensify its work. The Deputy Minister expressed hope that the situation will improve before the European elections this year.

Yerevan is working in two directions: both towards liberalization and towards the restoration of the facilitated operational regime, which has not properly started functioning after the COVID-19 pandemic.