EU ready to deepen partnership with Armenia - Vassilis Maragos

The European Union is ready for further deepening of partnership with Armenia, said Ambassador Vassilis Maragos, Head of the Delegation of the European Union (EU) to Armenia, during Thursday’s parliamentary hearing on the new prospects and challenges of Armenia's European integration.

"We will continue to spare no efforts to strengthen our relations based on our commitment and shared values, as well as our dedication to multilateralism and rule-based order," noted the EU ambassador, adding that the Armenia-EU dialogue process has never been as dynamic as at present.

Maragos stressed the importance of full implementation of the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA), focusing especially on regulations, their compliance and reforms.

The EU ambassador elaborated that it is necessary to match the standards that Armenia has accepted.

"The European Union wants to speed up the implementation of these commitments, which will include work, digital transition, green economy, which create opportunities for Armenia to modernize the economy," Maragos emphasized.

Maragos stressed the importance of fully implementing the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA), with a focus on regulations, compliance, and reforms. The EU ambassador elaborated that it is necessary for Armenia to meet the standards it has accepted.

"The European Union aims to accelerate the implementation of these commitments, which will include work, digital transition, and the green economy, creating opportunities for Armenia to modernize its economy," Maragos emphasized.

The Ambassador noted that that in connection with the economic and investment plan, an investment coordination platform has been created with the Armenian government and international financial institutions. This platform brings together all interested parties with the aim of reviewing plans and understanding what actions are needed to accelerate current investments.

The head of the EU delegation in Armenia presented that more than 550 million euros in investments have already been made during this period. EU member states have mobilized over 120 million euros for the implementation of more than 35 projects in Syunik, focusing on infrastructure, civil society, economic development, employment, and the green economy.

Referring to the Armenia-EU cooperation, Maragos noted with satisfaction that progress has been made in this direction.

First of all, the Ambassador stressed the importance of clear and sincere dialogue with Armenia on political and security issues, for which he thanked the Armenian  authorities. According to Maragos, the European Union is considering providing substantial support to the Armed Forces of Armenia with non-lethal weapons.

 "The European Union remains committed to stability and regulation in the region," emphasized the EU Ambassador to Armenia.

Regarding the new agenda of the Armenia-EU partnership, Maragos stated that the aim of the European Union is to broaden partnership and cooperation. He emphasized the need for reforms in Armenia, particularly in the field of public administration aimed at strengthening democratic institutions. Additionally, he stressed the importance of a well-functioning justice system, including a robust anti-corruption framework, to enhance resilience in responding to various challenges and threats.

According to the Ambassador, it is planned to confirm cooperation with Armenia within the framework of Eurojust on April 5 in Brussels. This cooperation aims to deepen collaboration in criminal cases and ensure high standards for the protection of personal data, the independence of the judiciary, and the rule of law.

In his speech, Maragos also mentioned the support for people forcibly displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh, informing that the EU has mobilized more than 60 million euros for humanitarian assistance to Armenia.