The “Strategic Agenda for the EU–Armenia Partnership” was signed on December 2 during the sixth meeting of the EU–Armenia Partnership Council.
Built upon the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA), the agenda marks a key milestone in strengthening Armenia–EU ties and outlines ambitious priorities across various sectors. It reflects shared values and mutual interests and affirms both sides’ commitment to deepening cooperation in all areas, according to Armenia’s Foreign Ministry.
The agenda also expresses EU support for Armenia’s democratic development, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and socio-economic resilience, while acknowledging the aspirations of Armenian citizens toward European integration. The EU values Armenia’s adherence to European principles and its commitment to further integration with the European family.
At a pivotal point in the partnership, this strategic agenda sets a joint vision for future cooperation, aiming to ensure stability, prosperity, and peace in the region. Through collaborative efforts, Armenia and the EU aim to achieve the ambitious objectives set in the agenda, securing a more prosperous and safer future for all.
The EU highlights Armenia’s progress in democracy, rule of law, and human rights despite regional challenges. It recognizes Armenia’s commitment to institutional reforms under CEPA, viewing it as a roadmap for national modernization.
To implement the agenda’s goals and priorities, the EU pledges comprehensive support using all available tools, including expertise, consultation, best practices, data exchange, capacity-building, institutional strengthening, and financial instruments.
Key priorities include:
- socio-economic development
- trade diversification
- resilience and stability
- addressing geopolitical and regional challenges
- countering hybrid and targeted threats
Visa liberalisation dialogue is also a shared priority. The process aims to facilitate visa-free short-term travel for Armenian citizens to the EU and Schengen area, provided mobility and security standards are met.
Armenia has made significant reforms in justice, anti-corruption, rule of law, freedom of speech and media, police modernization (e.g., the creation of a Ministry of Interior), and in education, healthcare, social protection, migration, and civil defence.
Economic cooperation, trade diversification, and connectivity are also central pillars. Joint actions can unlock new growth opportunities, job creation, and improved living standards.
Given the region’s ongoing instability, the agenda includes security and defence as new cooperation areas. The goal is to enhance Armenia’s security, resilience, and stability. Notably, in 2024, the EU launched its first support measure for the Armenian Armed Forces under the European Peace Facility.
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas stated: “Today we adopted the new EU–Armenia Strategic Agenda. It covers reforms like the rule of law, economic modernisation, visa liberalisation, and security cooperation. I am pleased to announce a €15 million allocation to support peace and a more resilient Armenia. This funding will support initiatives including training and equipment for demining experts, and regional trust-building efforts.”
