The European Union (EU) and Armenia reconfirmed their joint commitment to enhance and deepen their cooperation in all areas possible and compatible with Armenia's new international obligations deriving from its accession to the Eurasian Economic Union.

The abovementioned is noted in the press release following the 16th meeting of EU-Armenia Cooperation Council, which was convened Monday in Brussels.

“Both sides welcomed the launch of negotiations and provided further political guidance and impetus as regards the future EU-Armenia Agreement, meant to replace the current outdated Partnership and Cooperation Agreement and to reset their relations within the wider framework of the reviewed European Neighbourhood Policy and the Eastern Partnership.

“The EU and Armenia reviewed activities undertaken and meetings held during the past year in the context of the Eastern Partnership and underlined the importance of effective joint actions to build on the successful 2015 Eastern Partnership Summit held in Riga. They addressed issues related to the implementation of the reviewed European Neighbourhood Policy and shared the view that updated Partnership Priorities should be defined after the conclusion of the new EU-Armenia agreement. 

“The Cooperation Council reviewed recent political, economic and social reforms in Armenia. The EU took note of progress achieved in implementing these reforms and of Armenia's commitment to continue on this positive trajectory, while at the same time encouraging Armenia to accelerate reforms in specific areas, notably democracy and the rule of law, anti-corruption, human rights and fundamental freedoms, constitutional and judicial reform. Particular attention was drawn to the need for reform of the electoral system, to the need to appropriately implement the new constitution and assure media freedom, as well as to the important role of civil society.

“The EU confirmed its continued support for Armenia's reform efforts, including implementation of the visa facilitation and readmission agreements, and encouraged Armenia to make best use of the assistance it receives to this end from the EU. For 2014-2017, between 140 and 170 million EUR, focused on private sector development, public administration reform, and justice sector reform, are to be disbursed.

“The Cooperation Council welcomed the good progress made in implementing the Mobility Partnership. The EU reiterated its firm commitment to enhance the mobility of citizens in a secure and well-managed environment, which is a core objective of the Eastern Partnership, and recognised the high importance attached by Armenia to the mobility of its citizens. Moreover, both sides welcomed the overall good implementation of the Visa Facilitation and Readmission agreements since the previous Cooperation Council,” the statement also reads.