On Wednesday 20 September, the ambassadors of the 28 EU member states adopted their position on the priorities in the partnership between the EU and Armenia.
In a document obtained by EUROPE, the ambassadors set out the main lines for action on the four priorities of the partnership – which were defined at the Eastern Partnership summit in Riga in 2015. The new comprehensive agreement between the EU and Armenia, which could be signed in November at the next Eastern Partnership summit, "will enable the legal basis of the bilateral relations to be renewed and defined, and advantage should be taken of this dynamic to strengthen relations between the EU and Armenia, including by agreeing on the priorities of the partnership", the ambassadors sate in their document.
On the first of the priorities – strengthening the institutions and good governance – the EU highlights improvement in the legal system, good governance, stepping up the fight against corruption, and strengthening civil society. It also underlines "the implementation and effective application of the new (Armenian) constitution". The parties "will intensify their efforts to reform the public administration, especially as regards local authorities and the effective application of legislation", the document adds. The ambassadors also underscore the importance of cooperation in the security sector.
In terms of economic development and trade opportunities – the second priority – the EU highlights public finance management, improving the business climate (especially for SMEs), the digital economy and the green economy.
The ambassadors also underline the importance of connectivity, with the country being geographically landlocked, energy efficiency, the environment and climate action – which are the third priority.
As regards the fourth priority – mobility – the ambassadors highlight cooperation to facilitate the mobility of EU nationals and Armenians. "Taking note of the fact that Armenia wants to go further", the ambassadors say they "will plan, in due course, the opening of a dialogue on the liberalisation of the visa regime", when the necessary conditions are fulfilled. They also highlight cooperation in terms of the fight against irregular migration. Education and research and innovation are other priorities for action. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)