The issue of visa liberalisation between the European Union and Armenia was a key topic in a meeting today between Armenia’s Minister of Justice, Grigor Minasyan, and the Head of the EU delegation in Armenia, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Vassilis Maragos. Local media reports indicate that both sides outlined the planned steps towards advancing this goal.
During the meeting, Minister Minasyan underscored the strong cooperation between Armenia and the EU, particularly in supporting democratic reforms and strengthening the rule of law in the country. He also highlighted Armenia’s growing collaboration with the European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation (Eurojust). Minasyan stressed the importance of signing the “Working Agreement” with Eurojust and ensuring the full implementation of the Eurojust Agreement.
Addressing concerns over visa liberalisation, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan recently assured that the EU need not fear a surge in irregular migration once the agreement is in place. Pashinyan emphasized that Armenia has taken all necessary measures to prevent such issues. “When people get the sense of, so to say, having big opportunities, then they have less desire to leave. Today, there are thousands of people in Europe and the US who are not returning to Armenia because they travelled there with difficulties, and if they return, they won’t be able to go back again,” Pashinyan explained. He suggested that the freedom to travel encourages exploration, but does not necessarily lead to people overstaying illegally, as they know they can return at will.
Earlier this month, EU Ambassador to Armenia Vassilis Maragos expressed optimism that the visa liberalisation process could be achieved through the continued collaboration between the EU and Armenia. However, he cautioned that it was still too early to discuss specific details of the agreement. Speaking to Armenpress, Maragos highlighted the strong partnership between both parties in areas such as border management and judicial reforms.
“Other sectors that ensure safe travel and destinations are also important. However, with joint efforts, I believe we can achieve this significant goal for the benefit of the citizens of the Republic of Armenia,” Maragos stated.
The EU and Armenia have already initiated a political dialogue on the topic of visa liberalisation, signaling a promising step forward for the process.
By fLEXI tEAM
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