The European Union's Ambassador to Armenia, Vassilis Maragos, commented on the Armenian government's decision to begin the process of EU membership. According to him, the EU has already received information about this initiative and is starting to examine it.
Speaking to journalists, the diplomat emphasized that the EU maintains close relations with Armenia and continues to work on deepening these ties. He cited the "Resilience and Growth" program as an example, under which Armenia is set to receive €270 million, according to Radio Liberty.
When asked about Armenia's membership prospects, the ambassador noted that the decision ultimately rests with Armenia, while reminding that EU treaties contain clear provisions governing the accession process. Maragos assured that the EU remains firmly committed to strengthening its relationship with Armenia.
"We are currently negotiating a new partnership agenda and have begun implementing the 'Resilience and Growth' program," the EU representative stressed.
Earlier, BMG reported that on January 9, Armenia's government approved and submitted to parliament a draft law titled "On Starting the Process of the Republic of Armenia's Accession to the European Union." The initiative, which gathered over 52,000 citizen signatures, was proposed by the "Democratic Forces Platform," an alliance of four non-parliamentary parties and several civil society groups.
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, who supported the initiative, emphasized that the draft law does not guarantee automatic EU membership. "The final decision can only be made through a referendum; there are no other options," the Prime Minister stated, reiterating Armenia's readiness to pursue closer ties with the EU to the extent deemed feasible by Europe itself.
