Armenia Deserves Our Full Support, Says Oliver Varhelyi

Considering Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Armenia has found itself in a complex situation, having to rely on a country that is conducting aggression against a neighboring state for its security. In this context, Armenia has turned its gaze towards the European Union as its main partner.

Oliver Varhelyi, the EU Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement, stated this during a discussion in the European Parliament regarding EU-Armenia relations. He emphasized, "Given the sustainable progress in reforms concerning democracy, fundamental freedoms, the rule of law, and the fight against corruption, Armenia deserves our full support. Our Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement is a blueprint for Armenia's internal reform agenda. It has been fully in force for more than two years now."

Varhelyi also added that the EU's Economic and Investment Plan has the potential to mobilize over 2.6 billion euros in public and private investments, and various programs are already being implemented in Armenia to support socio-economic development.

Citing the report on EU-Armenia relations presented by MEP Andrey Kovachev, Varhelyi noted that there is still much to be done in Armenia concerning the judicial sector, combating discrimination, gender equality, protection of vulnerable groups, and countering misinformation.

"While we welcome our more intensive exchanges with Armenia, due to the country’s geographical position, it is also one of the partner countries we aim to cooperate more closely with to prevent the circumvention of sanctions," the EU Commissioner concluded.