Report: EU is a crucial partner for Armenia’s reform agenda

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Today, the European Union issued its annual report on developments in Armenia and EU-Armenia relations over the past year. The report, which covers the period between June 2018 and early May 2019, comes ahead of the EU-Armenia Partnership Council on 13 June 2019. The report finds that Armenia has stepped up its efforts to reinforce and enhance its partnership with the EU, and that Armenia consistently acknowledged the significant role the EU can play in the smooth implementation of the country’s reform agenda. However, the reform process remains at an early stage. The government’s roadmap for the implementation of the EU-Armenia Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement will be an important instrument in advancing reform plans. “The European Union has been and will continue be the biggest supporter of the Armenian government’s ambitious reform plan, which is consolidating democracy, the rule of law and promoting human rights in the country”, said the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, Federica Mogherini. ”Armenia is an important partner for the European Union, and together we are focussed on implementing our wide-reaching bilateral agreement, as well as delivering concrete results within the Eastern Partnership. We always keep firmly in mind that our aim is bringing tangible benefits to our citizens.” Johannes Hahn, Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, said: “The EU and Armenia are strong partners and we stand ready to support concrete reforms, including in the area of justice and education, which are key for the people. The swift implementation of the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement offers new economic opportunities for all Armenian citizens.” The report also covers specific sectoral cooperation between the EU and Armenia over the past year, such as the strengthening of trade and economic ties, progress in the area of connectivity, and increased opportunities for student and academic exchanges.

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