Photo: parliament.am
Yerevan, 12 February 2025 – Armenia has taken its first official step towards the European Union. The National Assembly of the country adopted in the first reading the draft law “On the Beginning of the Process of Accession of the Republic of Armenia to the European Union”. This was reported by Armenpress.
How did the Parliament vote?
63 MPs voted in favour of the draft law, with only seven against. The opposition faction Armenia boycotted the vote, and I Have Honor voted against it.
The adoption of the draft law was made possible by the initiative of the NGO Evrovote, which collected 60,000 signatures (instead of the required 50,000) to submit the issue to parliament.
What does this step mean?
The final version of the draft law states:
“The Republic of Armenia, expressing the will of the people, sets itself the task of becoming a safe, secure, developed and prosperous country. In this regard, the process of Armenia’s accession to the European Union is announced.”
This is Armenia’s first legally enshrined intention to start the official process of European integration.
Armenia’s European course
Armenia’s rapprochement with the EU has been actively discussed in recent years. In 2024, the European Union:
Announced the start of a dialogue on visa-free travel for Armenian citizens.
For the first time in history, it decided to provide military assistance to Armenia from the European Peace Fund.
In January, the Armenian government approved a bill to start the country’s accession process to the EU.
What’s next?
Armenia will face a second review of the draft law in parliament, as well as preparations for an official application for EU membership.
Yerevan’s European course means a historic break with Russian influence and a desire to become part of the European space. This decision could change the political balance in the region and increase European influence in the South Caucasus.
