Nils Ušakovs, MEP, Chair of the Delegation for Relations with the South Caucasus, and Miriam Lexmann, the European Parliament's Standing Rapporteur on Armenia, issued a joint statement on the adoption by the National Assembly of the law on the launch of the process of Armenia's accession to the European Union.
"Today's adoption at second and final reading by the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia of the law, proposed by a citizens' initiative, by which it declares the initiation of the process of accession of Armenia to the EU, marks another significant step in the already very strong EU-Armenia relations. We take note of this decision and welcome it as another clear expression of Armenia's steadfast commitment to our shared values and the country's democratic path.
Pursuant to Article 49 of the Treaty of European Union, any European state may apply to become a member of the EU provided that it adheres to the Copenhagen criteria and the principles of democracy, respects fundamental freedoms and human and minority rights and upholds the rule of law. We note the Armenian government's intention to discuss a possible roadmap with the EU and consult the population in a referendum in the future.
We recall that EU accession is a complex, long-term and merit-based process and stand ready to continue supporting Armenia in its reform efforts, as well as in ensuring its resilience, based in particular on the existing EU-Armenia Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement and the upcoming ambitious Partnership Agenda.
We encourage the Commission, the High Representative/Vice-President and the Council to actively support Armenia's desire for increased cooperation with the EU in all dimensions and its European aspirations," the
statement reads.
