The path to EU integration is long - President Khachaturyan

The President of the Republic of Armenia Vahagn Khachaturyan at a joint press conference with his German counterpart Frank-Walter Steinmeier in Yerevan touched upon the Armenian Parliament’s adoption of the bill on EU integration.

“We know the path to the European Union is long. We have witnessed the experience of the countries that have gone through this path; it takes years and there are even countries that are still waiting for it. There is an ideological matter here - the Constitution of Armenia, which was adopted in 1995, stipulates that Armenia strives for a free, democratic country, where the power belongs to the people,” said Khachaturyan. 

The President of the Republic emphasized that Armenia is a country that carries the principles of moving forward on a democratic path, and the European Union is a way to make it a reality.

"We have heard and seen various assessments and perceptions on this matter, which, "cause fear". However, they have nothing to do with everything we strive for. I cannot say when this process is implemented, but the fact that we need support, including from the German Federation, is clear," Khachaturyan noted.

The President of the Republic of Armenia  underscored the importance of absence of compulsion in this matter, the President noted that there is  only perception, partnership and a desire to move forward.

Khachaturyan expressed confidence that the process of visa liberalization between Armenia and the EU will make positive progress, and as for the tasks to be done, they must be carried out by Armenia.

The President of the Republic noted that “there is already a very important document between Armenia and the EU - the document on Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership signed in 2017, around which the parties are constantly in discussions, and within which Armenia continues to implement the obligations it has undertaken.

The Armenian parliament adopted on March 26 the bill on EU integration at second and final reading. 

The amended final wording of the document states: "Armenia, with the goal of developing democratic institutions, improving the welfare of society, strengthening the country's security, sustainability, and the rule of law, announces the start of the EU membership process.''