On May 13, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan held separate meetings with European officials to discuss strengthening Armenia-EU relations, advancing democratic reforms, regional security, and the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process.

Pashinyan’s Meeting

On May 13, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan met with Gert Jan Koopman, Head of the Directorate-General for Enlargement and Eastern Neighborhood Policy of the European Commission, to discuss the development of Armenia-EU relations and cooperation in various sectors.

During the meeting, Pashinyan highlighted the importance of strengthening Armenia’s relationship with the European Union, emphasizing the Armenian government’s commitment to deepening and expanding cooperation in all areas. He stressed that the foundation of this partnership is mutual respect, shared values, and the common goal of strengthening democracy and ensuring the rule of law. In response, Koopman praised Armenia’s relationship with the EU, describing Armenia as a reliable and trustworthy partner. He positively assessed the recent adoption of the law “On the Launch of the Process of the Republic of Armenia’s Accession to the European Union” by Armenia’s National Assembly, calling it an important signal demonstrating Armenia’s sincere and consistent European aspirations. Koopman noted that the EU is prepared to continue supporting Armenia’s ambitious reform agenda and expand cooperation in various fields contributing to the country’s sustainable development and civil society.

The discussion covered the current state of Armenia-EU relations, including the implementation of the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement, economic and sectoral cooperation, digitalization, green energy, education, infrastructure development, and democratic reforms. The two sides also discussed the Resilience and Growth Plan, announced in Brussels in 2024, with plans for 2025–2027, emphasizing the need for active collaboration in implementing the agreements. Regional security and stability, particularly issues related to the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process, were also addressed.

Mirzoyan’s Meetings

On May 13, during a working visit to Luxembourg, Armenia’s Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan held meetings with several officials, including Michael O’Flaherty, Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe, Xavier Bettel, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Luxembourg, and Timčo Mucunski, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of North Macedonia.

In his meeting with Michael O’Flaherty, they discussed Armenia’s cooperation with the Council of Europe, focusing on the country’s progress in human rights protection, democratic reforms, and strengthening the rule of law. They highlighted Armenia’s advancements in press freedom and ongoing healthcare sector reforms. The protection of women’s rights in various countries, including Armenia, was also addressed. Mirzoyan and O’Flaherty discussed Armenia’s efforts to accede to Council of Europe conventions and programs supporting Armenians displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh. They exchanged views on leveraging multilateral platforms, including human rights mechanisms, in light of current geopolitical trends.

In his meeting with Xavier Bettel, the officials discussed initiatives to enhance the partnership between Armenia and Luxembourg. Mirzoyan presented Armenia’s efforts to deepen ties with the European Union, emphasizing the significance of the New Partnership Agenda in expanding cooperation with the EU and its member states. They also addressed international and regional developments amid current geopolitical uncertainties, with Mirzoyan stressing Armenia’s commitment to signing a peace agreement and establishing interstate relations with Azerbaijan.

In his meeting with Timčo Mucunski, the discussion focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation between Armenia and North Macedonia. Both sides emphasized the need to expand the legal and contractual framework and promote business contacts to boost trade. They also discussed multilateral cooperation, with Mirzoyan underscoring the importance of deepening Armenia’s EU partnership as a central element of the country’s balanced foreign policy. The ministers exchanged views on regional developments, particularly regarding the peace process in the South Caucasus and the unblocking of regional communications.