From November 27 to 29, the EU External Action Service and the European Parliament delegation to Armenia conducted a joint operation in Armenia. The purpose of the operation was to evaluate the implementation of the EU-Armenia Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement and the progress of cooperation in various sectors, including energy, transport, digital, research, and innovation. During the meeting, discussions were held on the potential integration of vulnerable groups, such as internally displaced persons from Karabakh, into Armenian society and economy. The European Union and Armenia reaffirmed their commitment to cooperation in justice and security, migration and mobility, and exploring the possibility of visa regime liberalization. Both parties also expressed their support for peaceful resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and the need to strengthen the resilience of the Armenian armed forces without compromising peace.

In addition to the EU representatives, the meeting also included representatives from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), European Investment Bank (EIB), and Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency. They engaged in discussions with their Armenian counterparts on investment projects and programs. This meeting is expected to contribute to the further development of EU-Armenia relations and attract more EU investments in Armenia, particularly in renewable energy and urban development. As part of the visit, the first meeting of the Working Group on Construction and Development, established under the EU-Armenia Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement, took place.

The meeting was attended by key Armenian officials, including Deputy Prime Ministers Mher Grigoryan and Tigran Khachatryan, as well as the Minister of Economy and International Economic Integration. They also had dialogues with representatives from civil society organizations and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) regarding the potential liberalization of the visa regime for Armenian citizens. The visit of the representatives from the EBRD, EIB, and Frontex was organized in alignment with the Joint Declaration on Investment Regime Liberalization between the EU and the Republic of Armenia. This meeting will enable the EU, the Armenian government, and international financial institutions to collectively assess and enhance the implementation of EU investments in Armenia, particularly in urban and regional planning that has already attracted significant investment.

During the first joint meeting, two new programs were signed – one on energy efficiency with the EBRD and another on reconstruction and development with the EIB. Additionally, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) presented its territorial development program. This gathering marks significant progress in EU-Armenia relations and solidifies the commitment to strengthen bilateral cooperation for the benefit of both parties.

Sources:
news.am