Armenia Is Closer to the EU Than Ever Before, European Commission Spokesperson Says

BRUSSELS — Armenia is closer to the European Union today than ever before, European Commission spokesperson Markus Lammert said, commenting on Yerevan’s stated intention to formally apply for EU membership.

Speaking at a briefing in Brussels, Lammert commented on Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s statement that Armenia could soon begin the process of submitting a formal application for EU membership.

Pashinyan told the National Assembly a day earlier that Armenia could move “in the near future” toward formally applying for EU membership, although he did not specify a timeframe.

Referring to the growing rapprochement between Armenia and the EU, the European Commission spokesperson cited the first EU-Armenia summit held in May, as well as cooperation under the Resilience and Growth Plan and the European Peace Facility.

According to Lammert, Armenia has also “taken the first step toward the EU” by adopting legislation launching the country’s European integration process. He described the move as an “important symbolic signal.”

At the same time, the European Commission stressed that EU membership follows a “clearly defined, merit-based process,” which begins with the submission of a formal membership application by the country concerned.

Lammert said Brussels is already working with Armenia to further deepen relations, including in transportation connectivity, trade and other areas of cooperation.