Armenia launches the EU joining process

The government of Armenia has approved draft legislation on the country’s accession to the European Union (EU). The document has already been submitted to parliament for consideration. According to the Armenian foreign ministry, the EU is also ready to support Armenia’s economic sustainability.

On Jan. 9, the Armenian cabinet adopted a draft law initiating the process for Armenia’s accession to the European Union, as reported by News.am.

«Armenia is ready to be as close to the EU as the EU considers possible. This includes the start of visa regime liberalization and other instruments that are either in use or under discussion with the EU. As a civic initiative, we have submitted the draft law on Armenia’s EU accession to the parliament,» said Armenia’s Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan.

He also noted that the EU is prepared to assist in strengthening Armenia’s economic sustainability, as EU member states possess strong democratic institutions, free competitive markets, modern economies and advanced scientific capabilities.

On Jan. 1, two European countries – Bulgaria and Romania – officially joined the Schengen Area after years of negotiations. As a result, citizens of these two countries can now travel within the EU without border inspections.

Neighboring Armenia, Georgia also harbors European aspirations. However, in late 2024, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced that the ruling Georgian Dream party had decided to postpone negotiations with the EU until 2028. He described the discussions about EU talks as “an instrument of pressure and division within Georgian society.