EU must accept the extended hand of the Armenians and build strong bridges of cooperation - MEPs

During the European People's Party (EPP) Congress held in Valencia, Spain, MEPs Miriam Lexmann and Rasa Juknevičienė expressed strong appreciation for Armenia’s efforts to normalize relations with Azerbaijan and Turkey, as well as its steps toward closer integration with the European Union.

The MEPs made these remarks during the adoption of the EPP Congress resolution entitled "Current Political Situation in Armenia."

In her speech, MEP Miriam Lexmann, the rapporteur on Armenia, particularly emphasized that the adopted resolution aims to support recent political developments in Armenia and assist the country in its European integration efforts.

“We want to support the desire of the Armenian people to strengthen the rule of law and democracy in their country. We stand firmly with Armenia at this historic turning point in its geopolitical trajectory. Therefore, we aim to promote stronger economic cooperation and development, and support all necessary reforms,” Lexmann stated.

She also noted that the EPP highly values Armenia’s efforts to normalize relations with its neighbors.

“We truly appreciate Armenia’s constructive dialogue with Turkey, especially today, as we commemorate the 110th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. We recognize and commend Armenia’s leadership in peace negotiations with Azerbaijan, despite the military offensive in 2023, which displaced tens of thousands of Armenians,” she said, referring to Azerbaijan’s military operation against Nagorno-Karabakh and its consequences.

“We call for the immediate and unconditional release of all prisoners, and we reiterate the guaranteed right of the Armenian minority to return to Nagorno-Karabakh,” Lexmann added, urging full support for Armenia on its path to the European Union.

MEP Rasa Juknevičienė, speaking on behalf of the Lithuanian delegation, called for a vote in favor of the resolution entitled 'Current political situation in Armenia'.

"On behalf of the Lithuanian delegation, I urge you to vote in favor of this resolution. 

After centuries of affiliation with Russia, Armenia is trying to find its way towards Europe. Some forces manipulate the narrative that no one is waiting for Armenians in Europe. They say that after the start of consideration of the law on European integration, they did not receive any message of support from the EU. We — the EPP — say that this is not true. 

Armenia is Europe, and we need you, together with the Georgians and other peoples of the South Caucasus. The oldest state in Europe to officially recognize Christianity — Armenia, is going back to its roots. A nation that suffered Genocide, lost much of its territory and people, wants a peaceful life and says that Europe is their home. We, the EU, must accept the extended hand of the Armenians and build strong bridges of cooperation. This is not only a chance for Armenia, but also for the whole Black Sea region and us — the EU," the MEP said.