4-5 June, 2024

The European Commission and the Republic of Armenia announced the start of a visa liberalisation dialogue. This process aims to support Armenia in achieving a visa-free regime for short-stays with the EU, provided that the relevant conditions for well-managed mobility and security are put in place.

The visa dialogue is part of the broader framework of EU-Armenia relations, which has seen significant progress since the signing of the EU-Armenia Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in 2017. The dialogue will sustain ongoing efforts to support Armenia’s comprehensive reform agenda, particularly in areas which are crucial for future visa-free travel to the EU, such as document security, border and migration management, the fight against corruption and organised crime as well as upholding fundamental rights.

More: https://europa.eu/!QJnd7k

22 November, 2024

On 22 November 2024, the Ambassador of the European Union to Armenia, H.E. Vassilis Maragos, and the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, H.E. Mher Grigoryan, jointly hosted a high-level event in Yerevan to mark the seventh anniversary of the signing of the EU-Armenia Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The event brought together Ministers, Deputy Ministers, senior officials from the Armenian Government, representatives of the EU Delegation, diplomatic missions of EU Member States, and members of CEPA civil society platform. It provided an opportunity to reflect on the successes achieved and to reaffirm the shared commitment to the continued implementation of CEPA.

More: https://bit.ly/3ZD9CpB

11 September, 2024

The renovation of the women’s section and the resocialisation centre at “Abovyan” penitentiary, made possible through EU budget support, aims to provide inmates with opportunities to enhance their professional skills, creating solid ground for successful life after prison. Respect for human dignity and protection of fundamental freedoms are at the heart of EU-Armenia cooperation, ensuring that all layers of population are seen and protected.

20 September, 2024

On 20 September, the Ambassador of the European Union, Mr. Vassilis Maragos met with the Minister of Justice. The meeting marks important milestone in EU-Armenia cooperation in the context of ensuring justice and democratic reform as well as rule of law in Armenia.

A significant step in recognition of progress in the justice sector reform agenda is the disbursement of €3.51 mln grant within € 27 mln programme on Support to Justice Reforms. The final disbursement of EUR 3.51 mln was transferred to the Armenian government within EUR 27 mln programme on Support to Justice Sector Reforms in Armenia Phase I.

The programme aims to support Armenia’s justice sector reform process in line with the country’s commitments under the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA) (Articles 4 and 12), the EU’s best practices, as well as the recommendations stemming from the EU-Armenia Strategic Policy Dialogue in the Justice sector.

20 September, 2024

The European Union paid a €13.5 million grant to Armenian Government as part of its €15 million budget support programme aimed at supporting socio-economic integration of Karabakh Armenians. The “State and Resilience Building Contract for the Republic of Armenia” is to support the Government of Armenia in addressing the short-and medium-term needs of refugees, as well as enabling their long-term socio-economic integration ensuring inclusion in the Armenian education, social protection and healthcare systems and integration into the labour market.

20 September, 2024

On 20 September 2024, Rustam Badasyan, Chairman of the State Revenue Committee, welcomed a delegation of EU Ambassadors at the newly upgraded Margara checkpoint between Armenia and Türkiye. The delegation was introduced to the modernised infrastructure, designed to follow integrated border management principles under a “one window” system. The upgrades, completed in just six months, meet international standards and streamline border procedures.

15 November, 2024

Armenian companies got enhanced access to finance as EIB Global and European Commission offer financial package of almost €70 million.

• Armenian micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) are the focus of a nearly €70 million financing package from EIB Global and the European Commission.
• EIB Global is offering €58.5 million in loans to three Armenian financial institutions, while the European Commission is providing an €11 million grant.
• The support package was announced during a conference on green and inclusive growth in Armenia’s private sector.

More: https://europa.eu/!vpVJqr

15 November, 2024

EIB Global signed €236 million loan to finance construction of Sisian-Kajaran road.

• The road is a vital segment of the north-south transport corridor, enhancing connectivity between the European Union, Middle East and Asia.
• The project will contribute to climate change mitigation, improve road safety and strengthen Armenia’s economic resilience.

More: https://europa.eu/!7MYb7N

15 November, 2024

European Union expanded support for energy efficiency renovations in Yerevan.

• The EU grant of more than €10 million will complement a €25 million EIB Global loan for energy efficiency improvements across Yerevan.
• The EU investment grant will help the municipality of Yerevan to refurbish over 100 000 m2 of public buildings.
• The project will foster greener and, more sustainable development in Armenia.

More: https://europa.eu/!C3RqGb

14-15 September, 2024

Within ‘European Heritage Days 2024’, the Young European Ambassadors (YEAs) in Armenia organised a heritage route to the Garni temple. Together with the EU Ambassador Vassilis Maragos, YEAs built connections between peoples and historical experiences, exploring mythology and religion, and reflecting on the role of young people in preserving cultural heritage and investing in intergenerational understanding.

10 September, 2024

The European Union supports the translation of European works into Armenian and the translation of Armenian works into European languages. During the Yerevan International Book Festival, readings and exchanges were offered thanks to the Creative Europe program. On this occasion, the Ambassador of the European Union, Mr. Vassilis Maragos, said: “Literature connects people across cultures by sharing stories, experiences, and emotions that resonate universally, fostering empathy and mutual understanding.”

27 September, 2024

Ambassador Vassilis Maragos visited two kindergartens in Yerevan that have been rehabilitated with the assistance of the EU and the Eastern Europe Energy Efficiency and Environment Partnership (E5P). The rehabilitation has been done ensuring that the buildings are energy efficient. In total 15 kindergarten will be rehabilitated under this project and it was announced that 36 additional buildings will be rehabilitated in a second phase which will include not only kindergarten but also polyclinics.

28 September, 2024

Around 40 representatives from the EU Delegation to Armenia and partner organizations traveled to Syunik to hike the Legends Trail.  This beautiful and historically significant trail passes through dozens of rural communities in the Syunik region and ends at the summit of Mount Khustup.  The Legends Trail was mapped and equipped with EU funding between 2018 and 2021 as part of the “EU4Tourism: Outdoor Adventures on the Historic Trails in Syunik” project, implemented by the People in Need. The Legends Trail is part of the Transcaucasian Trail, and the merging of these trails creates significant opportunities for tourism development and the influx of hikers in the Syunik region.

Watch the film and learn more: bit.ly/3Ahq4Sm

1 October, 2024

“Annual Youth Forum 2024” in Aghveran brought together around 150 young people to discuss the issues they face in their communities. EU is committed to supporting Armenia’s youth through various impactful initiatives, such as the EU4Youth programme. This annual forum is supported by the “EU4Youth: Youth Engagement and Empowerment” project, co-funded by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.

More: https://bit.ly/4etRinF

18 October, 2024

On 18 October EU Ambassador and EU member states Ambassadors visited ArmBee Honey Farm in Akori, Lori. Thanks to the EU LEAD4Lori&Tavush project and support channeled through Gandzor local action group (LAG), ArmBee Honey Farm was able to enhance and diversify its beekeeping services to deliver mobile specialized services directly to local beekeepers and to expand apitherapy services and honey wine production services.

The project helps the local population in Lori and Tavush: men, youth, elderly and citizen groups, including minorities to play active role in inclusive, resilient and sustainable local development that aims at designing of territorial development models with involvement of citizens in setting development agenda, decision-making and implementation. This happens through building trust and self-confidence, developing entrepreneurial attitudes and encouraging a sense of group cohesion within communities and between regions.

More: https://bit.ly/4ePltpw

24-25 October, 2024

The 6th meeting of the EU-Armenia Partnership Committee on Trade Configuration occurred on 24 and 25 October 2024 in Brussels. Mr. Marco Dueerkop, European Commission, mentioned the importance of the platform for reinforcing Armenia’s trade diversification by creating a basis for a predictable and transparent business environment and contributing to Armenia’s alignment with international standards. Discussions focused on deepening mutual trade relations, enabling Armenian businesses to expand exports to the EU and beyond. The committee, co-chaired by Mr. Narek Hovhakimyan, Armenia’s Ministry of Economy, also covered the CEPA Trade title implementation progress. Namely, updates on Intellectual Property, including Geographic indications, Customs, Public Procurement, Technical Trade Barriers, Sanitary and phytosanitary measures, and trade and sustainable development.  Armenia requested the EU to start the authorisation process for Armenian dairy and meat products. The EU reaffirmed its commitment to support Armenia’s economic diversification and alignment with international standards

24 October, 2024

On 24 October, EU Ambassador Vassilis Maragos attended the presentation of the Gyumri Market & Culinary School at the TUMO Center for Creative Technologies in Gyumri. The project concept and the winning design proposal were presented to the local community, who had the opportunity to share their suggestions and feedback. Earlier in March, the EU signed a €2.5 million grant with TUMO to transform the historic Gyumri market into an international culinary school. The new hub will include spaces for workshops, a venue for events, restaurants, shops selling handmade goods, and booths for local vendors. Construction is set to begin soon, with the grand opening planned for 2026.

31 October, 2024

On 31 October, the new “Know-How, Arts and Crafts in Medieval Armenia” laboratory was launched at Matenadaran Museum, through the KATAPULT-Artbox initiative. The project will empower creative professionals and offer a fresh approach to the craftsmanship in Armenia. The EU and Armenia are working together to foster the preservation of Armenia’s rich cultural heritage.

4 November, 2024

The EU Ambassador Vassilis Maragos met with the Minister of Economy, Gevorg Papoyan, on 4 November 2024. Among various topics, the discussions touched upon Armenia’s economic diversification, trade matters, and intellectual property rights.

20 November, 2024

On 20th November, the EU-funded OECD/SIGMA initiative launched the assessment of Armenia’s progress towards the 2023 Principles of Public Administration, signalling Armenia’s strong commitment to reforming its governance structures and delivering better public services to its citizens. In his opening remarks, Ambassador Vassilis Maragos emphasised the need of well-functioning public administration and public financial management systems, both essential for the successful implementation of the EU-Armenia Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and the Resilience and Growth Plan for Armenia.

This comprehensive assessment will:

• Review ongoing reforms in public administration and financial management.
• Identify gaps and opportunities for improvement.
• Guide future strategies to enhance governance and service delivery for Armenian citizens.

The EU remains a committed partner in Armenia’s reform process, working closely with SIGMA and the Government of Armenia to ensure effective, citizen-centered governance. Together, we are committed to building a resilient, transparent, and efficient public sector in Armenia.

 21 November, 2024

The laboratories opened represent a significant step forward in innovation and progress, enhancing the National Body for Standards and Metrology’s ability to deliver internationally recognized calibration services. Metrology plays a critical role in ensuring quality and reliability of products and services, which is fundamental for industrial and technological development, trade diversification and citizens’ wellbeing. This assistance contributes to the European Investment Plan (EIP) for Armenia, which is a comprehensive initiative aimed at fostering economic growth, sustainable development, and prosperity in the country.

26 November, 2024

16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is a global campaign which calls to unite governments, civil society, and individuals to combat one of the most widespread human rights violations of our time.  On this occasion, the EU Ambassador, Mr Vassilis Maragos mentioned that Gender-based violence is not just a personal issue; it is a systemic one. The fight against gender-based violence is not just a women’s issue-it is a societal issue. The EU stands firmly with Armenia in the fight against gender-based violence. Together, we must work on prevention, support for survivors, and systemic change to build a future where equality and respect prevail. It’s time to act. Let’s challenge harmful norms, engage men and boys as allies, and create a world free from violence and full of opportunities for all.