Armenian government backs civil initiative to join the EU

YEREVAN, January 9. /ARKA/. The Armenian government gave a positive assessment to the proposal for Armenia's accession to the EU during a meeting on Thursday. The discussion of the civil initiative, which gathered 50,000 signatures, was held in accordance with the law.

Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan presented the proposal at the meeting, noting that the government is inclined to give a positive conclusion on the project.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, in turn, stated that Armenia can only join the EU if a referendum is held and the decision receives the required number of votes. He emphasized the need to discuss and develop a joint "road map" with the EU.

"Until the creation of a road map for Armenia, nothing should be done for now. I say this to ensure that correct expectations are formed within society," he said.

As steps toward closer ties between Armenia and the EU, Pashinyan mentioned the process of visa liberalization and Armenia’s participation in the "European Peace Facility."

On December 10, 2024, the Central Election Commission of Armenia validated over 50,000 signatures collected by the initiative group to begin the process of Armenia's EU accession. This will allow the bill on holding a referendum on the issue to be submitted to the country's parliament for consideration.