On Wednesday 13 March, MEPs welcomed the fact that Armenia had “strongly” emphasised its desire to strengthen and prioritise relations with the European Union.
In the joint resolution it adopted (504 votes in favour, 4 against and 32 abstentions), the European Parliament calls for the sustainable implementation of the EU-Armenia partnership programme and encourages the Union to work on a roadmap for an ambitious upgrading of relations.
“A substantial partnership between the EU and Armenia is a logical step in aligning with Armenia’s choice in favour of democracy, the rule of law, the fight against corruption and respect for the international rules-based order”, it says, supporting Yerevan’s constant efforts in favour of reform.
For MEPs, it is time to launch a dialogue on visa liberalisation.
MEPs also noted the “urgent” need to strengthen cooperation in the field of security and defence, and called on the EU to respond favourably to Yerevan’s request for support through the European Peace Facility. The European Parliament also called for the mandate of the EUMA mission to be extended beyond 2025 and to be further strengthened.
According to MEPs, the EU should be ready to impose sanctions on any person or entity threatening the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Armenia.
The European Parliament also expressed its support for the resumption of talks between Armenia and Azerbaijan on all outstanding issues “with the aim of concluding a peace treaty” and called on both parties to remain fully committed to a lasting and peaceful settlement of their long-standing dispute over Nagorno-Karabakh through dialogue and negotiation.
See the resolution: https://aeur.eu/f/bb4 (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)