Armenian National Assembly committee approves draft law on starting accession to European Union
YEREVAN, January 24. /ARKA/. Armenian National Assembly`s Committee on European Integration on Friday approved a draft law on the beginning of the accession process to the European Union.
The draft law had been earlier approved by the government on January 9, 2024. However, the State Legal Expertise Division of the parliament gave a negative conclusion to this legislative initiative due to errors in a number of legal wordings.
The purpose of the draft law is to confirm the will and determination of the people of Armenia and its current government to join the European family of advanced, civilized and developed nations.
“In the current geopolitical situation, the draft law, when approved by the parliament, will increase Armenia's resilience,” said Artak Zeynalyan from the Hanrapetutyun (Republic) Party (part of the Democratic Forces Platform).
According to him, the adoption of this bill will contribute to the establishment of peace and stability in the region, restoring the balance of power and increasing the possibilities of ensuring Armenia's national security.
‘This step will help protect human rights, create mechanisms of economic security by eliminating the existing monopolies, diversify the economy, increase productivity and quality of goods and services, which is possible only through cooperation with the West and the EU,’ Zeynalyan noted.
He noted that Armenia's accession to the EU will also open access to innovative technologies, increase investment programs, logistic ties, opportunities for exporting Armenian products to Europe.
The leader of the European Party of Armenia Tigran Khzmalyan stated that the issue of European integration goes beyond economy and is a “civilizational choice”. He called it unacceptable to continue discussions on Armenia's cooperation opportunities within the Russia-dominated Eurasian Economic Union (EEU).
“We talk about market relations, but this is primarily a question of geopolitics and values. It's time to make a choice,” he emphasized.
The head of the Committee from the ruling Civil Contract party Arman Yeghoyan reminded the present that the economic consequences of the change of foreign policy course cannot be ignored.
Yeghoyan emphasized that even with the change of integration courses, the state does not break ties with partners, but creates conditions for the work of economic entities that independently find markets.
“It is they who ensure exports, pay taxes, at the expense of which state structures, including the army, exist. Your values and institutions are also supported at the expense of these funds,” Yeghoyan reminded. -0-
