Brussels, 26/03/2015 (Agence Europe) - Although Armenia did not sign its association agreement with the EU in 2013, the EU and Armenia confirmed their commitment in 2014 to developing and strengthening their cooperation in areas of common interest, as part of the Eastern Partnership.
In its progress report on Wednesday 25 March, the European Commission states that the visa facilitation and readmission agreements entered into force in January 2014 and that since March Armenia has been able to participate in EU programmes and agencies.
The Commission reports that Erevan has continued its democratic transition process, particularly as regards its constitutional reform. The country must nevertheless implement full anti-discrimination legislation, step up its judicial reform, continue its public administration reform, amend its electoral legislation and step up its fight against corruption.
Armenia continued to implement “sound” macroeconomic policies in 2014, but its economic activity continued to slow down. It should make progress in regulatory approximation with trade-related law and standards, the Commission adds.
The Commission would also like Armenia to step up its efforts for a comprehensive peace settlement over Nagorno-Karabakh. (Camille-Cerise Gessant)