STRASBOURG — European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos has reaffirmed the European Union’s readiness to support Armenia as the country strengthens its ties with the bloc.
Speaking during a briefing at the European Parliament, Kos emphasized that the EU’s enlargement preparations are intended to send a clear message to candidate countries that Brussels is prepared to fulfill its commitments as those countries advance toward membership.
Kos explained that the process does not necessarily involve separate financial assistance packages but rather a broader roadmap designed to prepare the EU for future enlargement.
She stressed that the European Union is prepared to support countries making progress toward integration, including Armenia.
Kos noted that Armenia falls within her portfolio of responsibilities concerning the Eastern Partnership and acknowledged the country’s growing orientation toward the European Union.
“Armenia is indeed moving toward the European Union,” she said.
The commissioner highlighted cooperation on visa liberalization, describing it as an important component of EU-Armenia relations. She noted that Armenia is currently the only country with which the EU is negotiating such a process.
Kos also addressed the EU’s assistance in diversifying Armenia’s trade relations, particularly following restrictions imposed by Russia on imports of certain Armenian products.
She said the EU has been providing substantial support to help Armenia expand access to alternative markets.
According to Kos, with the backing of EU member states and the European Parliament, the bloc has adopted autonomous trade measures allowing approximately 80 percent of Armenian products to enter the European market duty-free.
The commissioner also referred to a separate assistance package aimed at supporting Armenia’s economic development.
Her remarks underscored Brussels’ commitment to strengthening economic cooperation and supporting Armenia’s closer integration with European institutions.
