We Are Preparing to Sign a Document with Armenia in Brussels Tomorrow, EU Ambassador

“Never before has there been such a dynamic process in the bilateral dialogue between the EU and Armenia, as well as for the further development of bilateral relations,” said Vasillis Maragos, head of the EU delegation to Armenia, during hearings in the National Assembly on the theme of “New Perspectives and Challenges of Armenia’s European Integration.”

“Our partnership process started within the framework of the Armenia-EU Partnership Council in February. This follows the results of the meetings in Granada, as well as the fact-finding mission we had last November,” he noted.

According to him, the European Council had tasked to present proposals for the development of EU-Armenia relations in all directions. “This is the mandate we are currently working on. We expected that the new partnership agenda would refresh the existing partnership priorities agreed upon in 2017, while also developing the CEPA agreement and based on Armenia’s participation in the Eastern Partnership format,” he emphasized.

The new agenda set by the EU delegation to Armenia is based on past cooperation but is more tangible. “As we work on the new agenda, we are not idle, nor are we with our hands folded. Work is ongoing in all directions. Everyone on both the Armenian and EU sides agrees that there has never been such a dynamic process in bilateral dialogue and the further development of bilateral relations. I would particularly like to mention the presence of Foreign Minister Mirzoyan in Brussels at the end of last year within the framework of the partnership council, as well as to mention the high-level meetings that will take place tomorrow in Brussels,” Maragos said.

He added that the EU continues its work in Syunik. “Together with our member states, we have mobilized over 120 million euros for more than 35 projects in Syunik,” he stated.

Maragos noted that many in Armenia are focused on security issues, and he indicated that there has been progress in cooperation in this area. “The EU intends to support the Armenian Armed Forces in terms of non-lethal weapons, significant support is being discussed to enhance capacities; this relates to the European Peace Mechanism. The EU remains fully committed to stabilizing and resolving the situation in the region, including the meetings organized by the President of the European Council,” he stressed.

He expressed confidence that they will achieve clear results together. “EU-Armenia cooperation is very important for the rule of law. We are also preparing to sign a document with Armenia in Brussels tomorrow, which will deepen cooperation in criminal matters and ensure high standards for personal data protection, judicial independence, and the rule of law,” he informed.