# Accession of Armenia to the European Union

On 12 March 2024, the European Parliament passed a resolution confirming Armenia met Maastricht Treaty Article 49 requirements and that the country may apply for EU membership. On 9 September 2024, Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan confirmed that the issue of starting the EU membership process has become part of the Armenian political agenda.
A petition calling for a referendum on whether Armenia should apply for membership of the EU, which was supported by Pashinyan, succeeded in reaching the 50,000 signatures required in order to be submitted for a vote in the National Assembly. On 12 February 2025, Armenia's parliament approved a bill officially endorsing Armenia's EU accession. The decision for the government to pass the bill was reported to be the first step of "the beginning of the accession process of Armenia to the European Union".

## History

   The Republic of Armenia is ready to be closer to the European Union, as much as the European Union considers it possible.
The Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) (signed in 1996 and in force until February 2021) served as the legal framework for EU-Armenia bilateral relations. Since 2004, Armenia and the other South Caucasus states have been part of the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP). An ENP Action Plan for Armenia was published on 2 March 2005, "highlighting areas in which bilateral cooperation could feasibly and valuably be strengthened." The plan sets "jointly defined priorities in selected areas for the next five years." In November 2005, formal consultations on the Action Plan was opened in Yerevan. However, most scholars and commentators have criticized the effectiveness of the ENP in facilitating reform objectives outlined in the Action Plan, especially in relation to democracy, corruption and civil society engagement. Regardless, on 12 January 2002, the European Parliament noted that Armenia and Georgia may enter the EU in the future, as both countries are considered European. Armenia entered the EU's Eastern Partnership in 2009. Armenia is additionally a member state of the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly, Council of Europe, European Political Community, Assembly of European Regions, Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, and takes part in various other European programs and treaties such as the European Cultural Convention, European Higher Education Area and the European Court of Human Rights, among others. Armenia also maintains working arrangements with CEPOL, Europol, and Frontex.
Armenia and the EU began negotiating an Association Agreement (AA), which had included a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area agreement, to replace the old PCA in July 2010. The EU Advisory Group to the Republic of Armenia was tasked to support the government of Armenia to implement reforms ahead of signing an Association Agreement with the EU. In November 2012, EU Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy Štefan Füle stated that the AA negotiations could be finalized by November 2013. The new EU Centre in Armenia, set to become the European Union's communication hub, officially opened in central Yerevan on 31 January 2013. However, on 3 September 2013 Armenia announced their decision to join the Eurasian Economic Union. According to EU politicians, Armenian membership in the Eurasian Economic Union would be incompatible with the agreements negotiated with the EU. President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan stated at the 2 October 2013 Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe session that Armenia was ready to sign the AA during the November 2013 Eastern Partnership Summit in Vilnius, without the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area component of the agreement that contradicts Armenia's membership in the Eurasian Economic Union. A spokesperson of EU Commissioner Füle responded a few days later by saying "No Armenia-EU document is being readied to be signed at a Vilnius summit" and "We're trying to find routes for further cooperation with Armenia, based on the existing achievements". This was followed by other EU officials who echoed this statement. No AA was ultimately initialed at the summit. In December 2013, the Polish ambassador to Armenia said that the EU and Armenia were discussing a less in-depth bilateral agreement on their relations, and did "not rule out the possibility that it may be an association agreement in a different form". In January 2015, the EU commissioner for European neighbourhood policy and enlargement Johannes Hahn stated that the EU was willing to sign a revised AA without free trade provisions. Negotiations were launched in December 2015.
Although Armenia's trade with the EU far exceeds that with Eurasian Economic Union members Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan combined, Armenia is dependent on Russia for security. Armenia's alliance with Russia, and its membership in the Collective Security Treaty Organization, is seen by Armenia as a counterbalance to Azerbaijan’s sharp hike in military spending (Azerbaijan bought tanks, artillery cannons and rocket launchers worth billions of US dollars from Russia in 2011, 2012 and 2013). Russia also has a military presence in Armenia, the Russian 102nd Military Base is an active base located in the city of Gyumri.
On 27 February 2017, the European Union and Armenia finalized a new agreement on deepening their political and economic ties. Armenian president, Serzh Sargsyan, met with European Council President Donald Tusk and other high-ranking officials in Brussels. The new Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement will expand and broaden the scope of relations between the EU and Armenia, but will not be an Association Agreement. It was signed by Armenia and all EU member states on 24 November 2017. On 12 January 2002, the European Parliament noted that Armenia may enter the EU in the future. In October 2019, the deputy prime minister of Armenia Tigran Avinyan stated that Armenia and the EU have a completely different level of relationship following the 2018 Armenian revolution. The Minister confirmed that the revolution strengthened ties between Armenia and the EU as both share the same democratic values. The Minister further stated that "this new political situation is completely in line with the EU's views". Avinyan also made clear that in the future, Armenia will have to decide whether or not to pursue an EU membership bid. The Minister advised that any decision for Armenia to join the European Union would have to be brought before the people and that future accession of Armenia to the EU would only occur following Armenia's complete withdrawal from the Eurasian Economic Union.
In December 2019, following the eighth Euronest Parliamentary Assembly, a resolution was passed by all members outlining various EU integration goals to be achieved by 2030. The resolution affirms that the process of EU enlargement is open to Eastern Partnership member states and that future enlargement of the EU will be mutually beneficial for both the EU and Eastern Partnership members. The resolution praised the progress made in Armenia following the 2018 Armenian revolution. The resolution also stated that, "Armenia is the only country in Europe to transition from being a hybrid regime in 2017 to a democracy in 2018" and that the ratification of the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement by the Armenian Parliament in April 2018 is considered evidence of a strategically reinforced partnership between Armenia and EU. In June 2020, the Chair of the European Parliament stated, "We believe that the successful implementation of the comprehensive reforms by Armenia, in areas such as the rule of law, justice and fight against corruption, will create new incentives for an ambitious path towards European integration and the next steps to be taken by Armenia and the EU in the next decade". Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia confirmed that the development of the partnership with the European Union is one of the most important directions of foreign policy of the Republic of Armenia.
On 17 October 2023, Armenian prime minister Nikol Pashinyan addressed the European Parliament. Pashinyan stated, "the EU is the key partner supporting the fundamental reforms of the Armenian government in recent years. The agenda of our relations with the European Union is actually very extensive. On October 5 of this year, two extremely important documents for EU–Armenia relations were adopted in Granada. Both statements support the strengthening of EU–Armenia relations in all dimensions based on the needs of the Republic of Armenia" and "we are committed to further strengthen EU–Armenia relations. In the long term, the European Union and Armenia are determined to strengthen their economic ties by working to unlock the full potential of the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement. The Republic of Armenia is ready to be closer to the European Union, as much as the European Union considers it possible."
On 14 November 2023, Civil Contract deputy and Chairman of the Standing Committee on European Integration Arman Yeghoyan stated that "Armenia may plan to join the European Union in the future" during a press conference. On 15 November 2023, Minister of Foreign Affairs Ararat Mirzoyan stated "I want to commend the European Commission's decision to recommend the European Council to open accession talks with Moldova and Ukraine and to grant candidate status to Georgia. This decision is welcomed not only by the Government of Armenia, but also people of Armenia, who also have European aspirations."
On 29 February 2024, the President of the National Assembly Alen Simonyan stated that Armenia should seek EU membership. On 2 March 2024, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan advised that Armenia would officially "apply to become a candidate for EU membership in the coming days, within a month at most". On 5 March, Pashinyan stated that Armenia would apply for EU candidacy by autumn 2024 at the latest.
On 8 March 2024, on the sidelines of the 2024 Antalya Diplomacy Forum, Armenian foreign minister Ararat Mirzoyan stated that "Armenia is seeking to get closer to the West amid worsening relations with Russia" and "New opportunities are largely being discussed in Armenia nowadays, that includes membership in the European Union". On 12 March 2024, the European Parliament passed a resolution confirming Armenia meets Maastricht Treaty Article 49 requirements and may apply for EU membership. The resolution praised the progress achieved by Armenia towards the implementation of CEPA. The resolution also acknowledged that CEPA acts as a blueprint to further integration, reforms, and a potential roadmap to a future Association Agreement and sectoral integration with the European single market.
On 15 March 2024, Armenian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Paruyr Hovhannisyan announced that Armenia is currently crafting a new cooperation agreement with the EU, aiming to finalize and sign it by July 2024. Hovhannisyan stated, "If the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement between Armenia and the EU is fully implemented, we will indeed have the status of a candidate country for EU membership." The following day, Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the European Commission spokesperson Peter Stano stated, "Countries have the right to strive for a better future for their people. They are free to decide how to ensure such a future. As for EU membership, each European country—its people and government—must decide whether it wants to apply for EU membership", the EU official said in response to whether the EU's doors are open to Armenia.
On 5 April 2024, Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan met with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell, and United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Brussels for a high-level trilateral summit between Armenia, the EU, and the US. Von der Leyen stated, "The European Union and Armenia are increasingly aligned in values and interest", while Borrell added "our relations are developing on a positive track, they are stronger than ever". The sides pledged continued support for Armenia, including providing the country with €270 million in grants and economic support. Von der Leyen stated, "We will make investments to strengthen Armenia's economy and society, making them more robust and stable".
In May 2024, the United Platform of Democratic Forces called on the government of Armenia to apply for EU and NATO membership. On 21 June 2024, the United Platform of Democratic Forces organized a hearing in the National Assembly of Armenia calling for the government to hold a referendum on submitting an EU membership application. The alliance proposed holding the referendum within the subsequent four months.
On 27 June 2024, the president of the National Assembly, Alen Simonyan confirmed that Armenia's leadership wanted the country to join the EU, and that it would hold a referendum in the near future. Simonyan stated that "our society has made a decision to be part of the European Union" and "I think that sometime in the near future we will have this referendum and I am sure that our people will say yes".
On 9 September 2024, prime minister Nikol Pashinyan confirmed that the issue of starting the EU membership process has become part of the Armenian political agenda. Pashinyan stated, "discussions are underway in the country regarding the possibility of Armenia becoming a member of the European Union," during a meeting with Vice-President of the European Commission Margaritis Schinas.
On 4 September 2024, several members of the United Platform of Democratic Forces alliance, including former Minister of Justice Artak Zeynalyan and Tigran Khzmalyan, submitted the necessary documentation required in order to obtain permission to collect signatures for holding a referendum on Armenia's EU membership to the Central Electoral Commission. According to the Constitution of Armenia, the initiating group must collect 50,000 signatures within 60 days in order to present its bill to the National Assembly. Following the submission, the alliance stated, "the presentation of the bill on starting the process of Armenia's accession to the EU to the National Assembly should be considered as an expression of the will of the citizens" and that the alliance is certain it will be able to attain the necessary amount of signatures needed. On 11 September 2024, the Central Electoral Commission approved the application, and confirmed that 50K signatures would be needed before 14 November 2024 in order to bring the motion to the National Assembly.
On 18 September 2024, prime minister Nikol Pashinyan said in a statement regarding Armenia's EU membership at the 2nd Global Armenian Summit held in Yerevan: "Here, too, we need to understand that this is not a unilateral or even bilateral action. At this point, we need to be very careful when formulating problems in order not to create new disappointments in our people on the way to solving these problems. Finally, Armenia's EU membership also needs to be imagined physically. Georgia–EU relations are important, what will happen, Turkey–EU relations are important, how will they develop. In this context, it is very important how Armenia–Turkey relations will develop. If we see a more or less realistic prospect of becoming a full member of the European Union, including keeping under control the possible threats that may arise along the way, we will definitely not miss that moment," he said.
On 7 November 2024, the United Platform of Democratic Forces submitted the collected signatures to the Central Election Commission for review. Once the Central Election Commission approves the submitted signatures, the petition will be presented to the National Assembly for debate. The alliance stated that if the National Assembly refuses to hold a referendum on EU membership, they will organize a second petition for which it will be necessary to collect 300,000 signatures, which will allow the alliance to hold a referendum bypassing the National Assembly entirely. On 22 November 2024, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that "there is no political logic in being against holding a referendum on EU membership".
On 10 December 2024, the Central Electoral Commission concluded their review of the 60,000 signatures collected, and determined that there was a sufficient number of valid signatures for the petition to be sent to the National Assembly. The petition was then submitted as the draft law "On the launch of the process of accession of the Republic of Armenia to the European Union". Prior to the vote, the Armenian government expressed its support for the bill, with Pashinyan elaborating that: "In the event of the adoption of this law, it is necessary to have a certain idea of actions up to the point of holding or not holding a potential referendum. What is that idea? The idea is that after the adoption of this law, we should discuss with the European Union the roadmap that they imagine and that we imagine, and develop a roadmap together." The decision for the government to support the bill, was reported to be the first step of "the beginning of the accession process of the Republic of Armenia to the European Union".
On 11 January 2025, EU Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Chief Spokesperson Anitta Hipper announced that the EU would examine the draft law on Armenia's EU integration process and meet with Armenian officials. On 24 January 2025, the Standing Committee on European Integration of the National Assembly of Armenia unanimously adopted the draft law on the launch of the accession process of Armenia to the European Union. The bill was approved by Armenia's parliament on 12 February 2025.

## Treaties
### Armenia–EU Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement

The European Union and Armenia ratified the Armenia-EU Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA); which took effect on 1 March 2021. The agreement advances the bilateral relations between the EU and Armenia to a new, partnership level and regulates cooperation in political and economic sectors, while enhancing trade relations. The agreement is also designed to bring Armenian laws and regulations gradually closer to the EU acquis. The Standing Committee on European Integration is responsible for ensuring the terms and agreements of CEPA are implemented.

## Schengen visa liberalization

Since 2013, European Union citizens enjoy visa-free travel to Armenia.
On 18 January 2019, preliminary dialogue on visa liberalization was launched as part of the Armenia-EU Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement.
On 22 July 2024, the European Council approved the European Commission's proposal to begin visa liberalization negotiations with Armenia. The European Commission officially launched the dialogue with Armenia in July 2024.

## EU assistance to Armenia

The EU is the biggest provider of financial support and a key reform partner in Armenia. As part of the European Neighbourhood Policy, Armenia benefits from EU financial assistance. The amount allocated to Armenia depends on Armenia's commitment to reforms. Certain EU reform targets need to be met before money is paid. The amount of EU assistance to Armenia for the period of 2017-2020 was €185 million.
In July 2021, EU Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement Oliver Varhelyi announced that the EU will be granting an amount of approximately $3.1 billion USD in aid to Armenia, a 62% increase than the amount promised before.
On 5 April 2024, the EU announced a €270 million Resilience and Growth Plan for Armenia for 2024-2027, which includes €200 million in grant assistance and €70 million in grant funding for Armenia.

## Public opinion

According to a February 2023 annual opinion survey, 60% of Armenians trust the European Union, more than any other international institution. While 74% think relations between the EU and Armenia are good.
A March 2024 poll conducted by the International Republican Institute found that over 80% of Armenians were satisfied with the direction of EU–Armenia relations. The same poll showed a dramatic deterioration of public trust in Russia, with only 31% of Armenians considering Armenia–Russia relations good, compared to 93% in 2019.
A July 2024 Gallup opinion poll found that 56.7% of respondents expressed support for Armenia joining the European Union.
A October 2024 poll conducted by the International Republican Institute (IRI) found that 58% of Armenians were in favour of joining the European Union when asked how they would vote in a referendum on EU membership. Senior Director for Eurasia at IRI, Stephen Nix stated "This poll shows that most Armenians see their prospects for a bright future with Europe. Moreover, the people of Armenia understand that moving further away from Russia and towards the West is important to enhancing peace and prosperity."

### Individual opinions

In July 2019, former Armenian president Armen Sarkissian stated that "Armenia is not only a country that signed an agreement with the European Union, but also a country that is and has always been deeply European in terms of culture. Therefore, coming closer to the EU is very natural for us. Armenia is a cradle of European values, from our religion and culture to literature and music," during a meeting with the president of the European Council Donald Tusk in Yerevan. In return, Donald Tusk stated that "Armenia is an integral part of the European family and culture. A place of authentic people who cherish freedom. Sevanavank is a monument that testifies to Armenia's millennia-old imprint on Europe's culture."
In November 2019, during an Eastern Partnership meeting, the former foreign minister of Armenia Zohrab Mnatsakanyan stated that "the Eastern Partnership is not a neighbourhood, it's the eastern flank of Europe. That is the significance of Eastern Partnership. It's not to the east of Europe, it's to the east of the European Union, but the European Union is not the whole of Europe. The important challenge is to spread the sense of the Eastern flank of Europe further towards other parts of Europe." The Minister stated that Armenia shares European values of democracy, human rights and accountability to citizens. Mnatsakanyan also advised that a recent survey has shown 92% of the Armenian public considered relations with the EU as very good. The Minister supported the notion that Europe is Armenia's home.
During a press conference, Tigran Khzmalyan, Chairman of the European Party of Armenia stated that, "We are convinced that Armenia is a European state, that we are not only European but also a key culture for Europe." Khzmalyan also stated that the Eurasian Union is a corrupt, hostile and colonial system and that the European Party of Armenia will stand in opposition to Armenia's current membership while supporting the development of Armenia as a European state within the European family of states.
On 21 February 2023, a conference of democratic forces including opposition political parties and civil society took place in Yerevan. Delegates from the European Party of Armenia, Hanrapetutyun Party, Union for National Self-Determination, National Democratic Pole and over a dozen representatives from Armenian civil society organizations participated. Members of the conference called on the Government of Armenia to announce its withdrawal from the CSTO and Eurasian Economic Union and to realign Armenia's military integration with the United States and the West. In addition, the participants signed a declaration calling on the government to immediately submit an EU membership bid for Armenia.
On 29 February 2024, the President of the National Assembly Alen Simonyan stated that Armenia should seek EU membership. Simonyan stated, "Our actions show that we have much better democracy indicators than many of our partners that are already members of the EU. I think that we should think about seeking EU candidate status."

## Negotiations

Armenia has not yet started the negotiation process.

## Impact of joining

| Member countries | Population | Area (km$^2$) | GDP (US$) | GDP per capita (US$) | Languages |
| Armenia | 3,033,500 | 29,743 | 25.4 billion | 8,575 | Armenian |
| EU27 | 447,007,596 | 4,233,262 | 17,046 billion | 38,134 | 24 |
| EU27+1 | 450,041,096 | 4,263,005 | 17,071 billion | | 25 (+1) |