Armenia can seek membership in the European Union (EU), conveyed Peter Stano, the Lead Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the European Commission, in an interview with Russian ‘Izvestia’.

“Countries have the right to strive for a better future for their people. They are free to decide how to ensure such a future. As for EU membership, each European country—its people and government—must decide whether it wants to apply for EU membership, the EU official said in response to whether the EU’s doors are open to Armenia,” he added. 

Additionally, Stano pointed out that once a country applies for EU membership, it undergoes discussion among the member states. Subsequently, a decision is made based on the EU treaties and established standards.

On March 13, the European Parliament adopted a joint motion for a resolution on relations between the EU and Armenia with a vote ratio of 504 in favor, 4 against, and 32 abstentions. This resolution offers the executive power the option to explore the potential of granting Armenia the status of a candidate for EU membership. The non-binding resolution marks the EU’s first official response to recent statements from Yerevan expressing the desire for closer ties with the European family. 

Official Yerevan welcomed the resolution, considering it an opportunity for public discourse in Armenia. 

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Paruyr Hovhannisyan announced during a meeting of the Standing Committee on European Integration Issues of the National Assembly on March 15 that Armenia is currently crafting a new cooperation agreement with the EU, aiming to finalize and sign it by July.

“If the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement between Armenia and the EU is fully implemented, we will indeed have the status of a candidate country for EU membership. In addition to this, new directions of cooperation and new programs are being developed, which emerged as a result of a fact-finding mission that took place in November of last year. Now, alongside these two processes and the expression of our political rapprochement, a new document is being developed. Certain issues regarding it have been discussed at the Armenia-EU Partnership Council and other working levels. We expect to receive a new draft in May, which should probably be adopted by July,” Hovhannisyan said.

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