On Thursday, January 9, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan met with Magdalena Grono, the newly appointed European Union Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the Crisis in Georgia. During the meeting, the Prime Minister announced a significant decision made the day prior: the Armenian Cabinet of Ministers approved a draft law initiating the process of Armenia’s accession to the EU, which had been proposed by civil society.
According to the Armenian government’s press service, Pashinyan referred to his address at the European Parliament in the fall of 2023, where he declared Armenia’s readiness for the closest possible alignment with the European Union, to the extent that the EU itself deems feasible. Congratulating Ms. Grono on her appointment, the Prime Minister expressed hope that her work would further strengthen and develop cooperation between Armenia and the EU.
In response, Magdalena Grono emphasized the importance of steadily expanding Armenia-EU engagement, particularly in advancing democratic institutions and implementing reforms in Armenia.
The discussion also focused on the normalization of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, the Armenian government's efforts to ensure security and stability in the South Caucasus, and the "Crossroads of Peace" initiative.
Earlier, BMG reported that on January 9, the Armenian government approved and sent to parliament the draft law “On Initiating the Process of Accession of the Republic of Armenia to the European Union.” The initiative, supported by more than 52,000 citizens’ signatures, was proposed by the "Platform of Democratic Forces," a coalition of four non-parliamentary parties and several civil society initiatives.
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, endorsing the initiative, clarified that the draft law does not imply automatic EU membership. "The final decision can only be made through a referendum; there are no other options," the Prime Minister stated, reiterating his position that Armenia is ready for alignment with the EU to the extent Europe considers feasible.
