Armenia adopts bill on EU integration
Photo: Armenia supports bill on EU accession (Getty Images)
The Armenian Parliament has approved the European integration bill at the second reading. The document calls for the government to begin the process of EU accession, the news agency Armenpress reports.
On Wednesday, the Armenian Parliament approved the bill in its second and final reading, urging the government to initiate the country's EU membership process.
The bill was supported by 64 deputies, while 7 voted against it.
The bill was presented to the National Assembly through the civic initiative Eurovote, which collected 60,000 signatures, exceeding the required minimum of 50,000.
In January 2025, the bill was approved at a meeting of the Armenian government, after which it was sent for review to the National Assembly, who passed the bill in its first reading.
At the same time, the opposition factions Hayastan and Honor spoke out against the bill.
Armenia's EU accession
Armenia is gradually deepening its cooperation with the European Union. The EU supports Armenia's efforts toward democratization and development, particularly through financial aid and reform programs. However, a key challenge for the country is balancing its European path with Russia's influence.
Geopolitical tensions in the region, especially the conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, are also hindering integration processes. At the same time, strengthening cooperation with the EU could be an important step for Armenia in reinforcing its independence and development amid difficult geopolitical circumstances.
In July 2024, the EU ambassadors gave the "green light" for the start of a visa-free dialogue with Armenia and agreed to provide military assistance from the European Peace Fund.
In addition, on Thursday, January 9, the Armenian government approved the draft law titled "On the Start of the Process of Armenia's Accession to the European Union."
The bill was introduced to the National Assembly as a public initiative, and now the government must express its position. Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan emphasized that he recommends supporting the bill, noting that Armenia and the EU have had active and dynamic relations in recent years.
