Brussels, 07/12/2015 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 7 December, the EU and Armenia officially launched negotiations for a new framework agreement binding them.
“This will allow us to turn the page on the uncertainties created back in 2013” when Armenia decided not to sign its association agreement with the EU, said High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini (see EUROPE 11409). For Armenia's Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian, this launch offers “a new promising page” in their “mutually beneficial” relations. He added that his country was determined to develop and strengthen its relations with the EU in all areas of common interest.
This agreement picks up on the work done by both parties for the association agreement and will replace the cooperation and partnership agreement that dates from 1999. “We are aiming at a comprehensive framework agreement covering political, economic and sectoral cooperation”, which takes account of Armenia's participation in the Eurasian Economic Union, said Mogherini. In her view, this agreement, which is based on democracy, the rule of law and human rights, will create favourable conditions for stronger sectoral cooperation in areas such as energy, transport, the environment, trade and investment, and mobility.
Nalbandian also announced the signature of agreements before the end of 2015 on Armenia's participation in the Horizon 2020 programme and in the programme for the competitiveness of small- and medium-sized enterprises. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)