The European Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy published the annual “neighbourhood package” on Wednesday.

The progress report on Armenia said there was intensified EU-Armenia political dialogue in 2012. It is mentioned that progress was registered in talks on Association Agreement, including a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area.

“While 2012 Parliamentary election and February 2013 Presidential election was generally transparent and there was a serious effort to address issues related to human rights and fundamental freedoms, further work needs to be done, especially in the implementation and enforcement of legislation,” the report reads.

In the report Armenia is urged to address the shortcomings identified by the OSCE/ODIHR concerning parliamentary and presidential elections; fully investigate the deaths that occurred during clashes following the March 2008 presidential elections.

Armenia is also recommended “to step up efforts with Azerbaijan to reach agreement on the Madrid Principles, in accordance with the commitments made by the Presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan within the Minsk Group.”

The government is called to adopt amendments to the legislation on broadcasting, to intensify the prevention of and the fight against corruption and to strengthen the implementation of governance reforms, including measures to reform the law enforcement and judicial sectors. Among the recommendations is also enhancing efforts to provide for a competitive economic environment.