The government of Armenia has officially endorsed a draft law initiating the country’s process of joining the European Union (EU). The decision, made during a cabinet meeting on 9 January 2025, marks a significant step towards closer ties with Europe. The proposal, titled “On Initiating the Process of the Republic of Armenia’s Membership in the European Union,” was presented by Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan.
The draft law, introduced in the National Assembly as a citizen-led initiative, required the government’s formal position before progressing further. Mirzoyan emphasised that Armenia’s relationship with the EU has been both intensive and multidimensional in recent years, encompassing various sectors of cooperation.
“The EU has repeatedly demonstrated its political support for democracy in Armenia,” Mirzoyan stated, pointing to initiatives such as the deployment of an EU civilian monitoring mission to strengthen Armenia’s security environment. He also noted the EU’s commitment to enhancing Armenia’s economic resilience and fostering closer ties through ongoing initiatives, including the liberalisation of visa requirements.
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan echoed these sentiments, reinforcing Armenia’s readiness to deepen its relationship with the EU “to the extent that the EU considers possible.” He cited the launch of visa liberalisation talks and other collaborative tools as indicators of tangible progress.
Legal and Democratic Framework
Mirzoyan underlined that Armenia’s alignment with the EU is rooted in shared values, including democratic traditions, strong institutions, and an advanced scientific and economic base. These elements make the EU an attractive partner as Armenia seeks to modernise its governance and economy.
In his remarks, Mirzoyan also addressed the legal aspects of the draft law, noting that it includes provisions to ensure compatibility with existing frameworks. He expressed confidence that the government’s approval would provide a strong foundation for moving the proposal forward.
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan emphasised that the ultimate decision on EU membership would be determined through a national referendum, guaranteeing the Armenian people a direct and decisive role in shaping the nation’s future trajectory.
Public Support and Next Steps
The government’s approval follows a significant public campaign under the “Eurovote” initiative, which collected signatures to urge the launch of EU accession talks. This groundswell of public support reflects a growing consensus on the benefits of European integration.
The next phase involves parliamentary debate on the draft law. If approved by the legislature, preparations for a national referendum will begin, setting the stage for a formal application to the EU. The accession process, however, is expected to be lengthy and complex, requiring Armenia to meet the EU’s stringent membership criteria, including democratic governance, rule of law, and a functioning market economy.
By strengthening its ties with Europe, Armenia aims to balance its strategic partnerships and secure support for its domestic reforms and regional stability.
The EU has been an active partner in this process, with recent developments such as the deployment of a civilian monitoring mission and discussions on visa liberalisation highlighting the depth of the relationship. These measures, alongside the European Parliament’s resolution in March 2024 advocating for Armenia’s candidacy, underscore the mutual interest in closer cooperation.
While Armenia’s journey to EU membership will be a gradual process, the government’s decision to approve the draft law signals a clear commitment to European integration. With public support and a roadmap for future steps, Armenia is positioning itself as a potential candidate for EU accession, reflecting its aspirations for democratic development and economic modernisation.
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