Democracy is backsliding in Armenia, the European People’s Party (EPP) said in a statement after hosting its 7th Eastern Partnership (EaP) Leaders’ Meeting via video conference on 17 June.

The meeting included several EPP heads of state and government, as well as party leaders from EU Member States and EaP countries (see full list of participants below). EPP President Donald Tusk delivered a statement after the meeting which is available here.

According to the statement, the EPP plays a long and active role in the process of the Eastern Partnership. 

"The party remains committed to this project which has brought our eastern neighbours closer to European standards, recognised their aspirations and become a real power for change, democratisation and reform. The geopolitical situation in the region, with the Russian threat and the security situation, remains high on our agenda. It is further reason to develop a clear strategy and a political vision to enhance our cooperation with our EaP partners beyond 2020," the party added.

What comes to the Eastern Partnership countries, it was noted that "the EPP will promote EU-Armenia relations in the framework of the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement, exercising political will for full ratification and implementation of the agreement."

"Democracy is backsliding in Armenia. We call on Armenian authorities to refrain from pressuring the opposition," the EPP added.