The European Parliament proposed to Brussels to explore the possibility of granting Armenia candidate status for joining the European Union.
The resolution, presented by members of the European Parliament, was adopted on the evening of March 13 with 504 votes in favor, 4 against, and 32 abstentions. It notably states: "If Armenia is interested in obtaining candidate status and continues to implement stable reforms that strengthen its democracy, this could serve as a basis for transforming relations between the EU and Armenia."
The document also emphasizes the importance of active support for Armenia from the European Commission and the Council in expanding cooperation with the EU not only in economic matters but also in the areas of security, political dialogue, and cultural ties.
Although the resolution is not legally binding, it marks the European Union's first official response to statements from Armenian authorities expressing a desire for integration into the EU.
Earlier, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated Armenia's readiness to move closer to the European Union as much as Brussels deems possible. Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan also announced last week that Armenia is discussing the possibility of joining the EU.
At the same time, Armenian authorities have not clarified plans regarding withdrawal from economic and military alliances involving Russia on the path to potential EU membership.
