March 27, 2025, Yerevan, Armenia

The Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum Armenian National Platform (EaP CSF ANP) welcomes the adoption by the National Assembly of the law formally launching the Republic of Armenia’s accession process to the European Union. This marks a pivotal and historic moment that redefines Armenia’s strategic orientation and places European integration at the core of its state-building agenda.

As stated in the newly adopted law:

“The Republic of Armenia, aiming to develop democratic institutions, improving the well-being of society, strengthening the country’s security, resilience, and the rule of law, declares the launch of the process of the Republic of Armenia’s accession to the European Union.”

This declaration is far more than symbolic—it carries profound political, legal, and societal significance. It lays the foundation for a new chapter in Armenia’s modern history, anchored in the principles of democracy, human rights, good governance, and the rule of law. At a time of mounting geopolitical challenges, this step brings clarity to Armenia’s foreign policy direction and opens the path toward lasting peace, development, and security within a European framework.

For many years, Armenian civil society has been a steadfast advocate for European integration. Over the past decade, the Armenian National Platform of the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum has consistently supported reforms aligned with EU standards, promoted participatory democracy, and contributed to the strengthening of public institutions. A clear reflection of this commitment is the fact that the draft law titled “On the Launch of the Process of the Republic of Armenia’s Accession to the European Union” was submitted to the National Assembly through the efforts of the “Eurovote” civic initiative, whose founding members are primarily representatives of organizations within the EaP CSF Armenian National Platform.

In accordance with the Constitutional Law of the Republic of Armenia on Referendums, the initiative group was required to collect a minimum of 50,000 valid signatures within a two-month period in order to gain the right to submit the draft law to the National Assembly. In practice, however, the required number of signatures was gathered ahead of the legal deadline.

We call on the Government of Armenia to move swiftly from declaration to action by:

• Developing and publishing a comprehensive national strategy for EU accession, based on a transparent and inclusive consultation process involving civil society and other stakeholders;
• Establishing a detailed roadmap with clear timelines, reform priorities, and measurable benchmarks aligned with the Copenhagen criteria;
• Resolving institutional and legal inconsistencies that could hinder integration—most notably by formally expressing Armenia’s intention to withdraw from the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), whose regulatory framework is fundamentally incompatible with that of the EU.

To ensure effective coordination, coherence, and accountability throughout this complex process, the EaP CSF Armenian National Platform calls for the establishment of a dedicated Vice Prime Minister position tasked with leading and coordinating the EU accession agenda– an idea that has already been voiced by partners in the National Assembly and has received broad support from both civil society and non-parliamentary democratic political forces. This high-level role must have the mandate to oversee inter-agency efforts, drive the implementation of reforms, and serve as the main counterpart to the European Union and other international partners. A process of this magnitude demands strong political leadership and centralized management at the highest level of government.

We also urge the Government to initiate formal dialogue with the European Union on signing a new, updated agreement that reflects the logic and spirit of the newly adopted law, including provisions for the establishment of a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA). These steps are essential to unlocking the full benefits of European integration—access to EU markets, increased investment, innovation, and institutional reform mechanisms that support long-term stability and prosperity.

As Armenia progresses along this path, civil society must be recognized as a strategic partner. Public engagement, civic monitoring, and inclusive policymaking are indispensable to ensuring that the EU integration process is not only successful but also genuinely reflective of the people’s will.

This process also holds important security implications. Armenia’s closer integration with the EU strengthens its sovereignty and resilience amid regional threats. The continued presence of the EU’s civilian monitoring mission along the Armenia-Azerbaijan border is vital and must be maintained and expanded until a lasting peace agreement and durable confidence-building measures are in place.

The decision to launch the EU accession process represents a bold and forward-looking choice—one that will reshape Armenia’s role in the region and its standing on the global stage. It sends a clear and hopeful message to both our citizens and international partners: Armenia’s future lies in a democratic, secure, and rules-based European order.

The Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum Armenian National Platform stands ready to accompany and support this historic journey—through expertise, dialogue, and active engagement—so that European integration becomes not just a foreign policy goal, but a lived and inclusive reality for all in Armenia.

EaP CSF Armenian National Platform
27 March 2025