EU ready to support Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process and invest in regional connectivity - Commissioner Brunner

Armenia is becoming an increasingly important partner for the European Union in the South Caucasus, and if this reform momentum continues, visa-free travel in the coming years is a realistic prospect.

The EU also stands ready to continue supporting the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process, including through investments in the development of regional connectivity in line with Armenia’s “Crossroads of Peace” initiative.

This was stated by Magnus Brunner, European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, who arrived in Armenia on March 12, in an exclusive interview with Armenpress.

-Mr. Brunner, in recent years, relations between Armenia and the European Union have gained notable momentum, expanding across political dialogue, economic cooperation and institutional reforms. How do you assess Armenia’s role within the EU’s neighbourhood policy today? Would you say Armenia is emerging as an increasingly important partner for the European Union in the South Caucasus? 

-Armenia is a very important partner for the European Union, and it is fair to say that our relations have never been closer. In recent years, we have seen strong momentum in political dialogue and reforms. The adoption of the new Strategic Agenda for the EU–Armenia Partnership reflects this progress and sets ambitious priorities to deepen cooperation in many areas.

Our partnership is based on shared values, such as democracy, the rule of law, and the goal of building a free and prosperous future. For these reasons, Armenia is becoming an increasingly important partner for the European Union in the South Caucasus.

This is also reflected in the fact that the EU has visa-free travel agreements with more than 60 countries, and Armenia is currently the only country with which the EU has an active visa-liberalisation dialogue. This shows the EU’s strong commitment to strengthening our partnership with Armenia.

-Your visit to Armenia takes place at a sensitive moment for the wider region, amid ongoing security tensions and developments in Armenia’s immediate neighbourhood. What message does your visit send regarding the European Union’s engagement with Armenia and its broader commitment to stability in the region?

-My first visit to Armenia, and certainly not the last, came ahead of the first EU - Armenia Summit in May 2026. It shows that the European Union is determined to strengthen its cooperation with Armenia and its commitment to peace, stability and regional cooperation in the South Caucasus.

An important part of this is the progress made in the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process. The EU stands ready to continue supporting these efforts, including through investments in regional connectivity in line with Armenia’s “Crossroads of Peace” initiative.

Our cooperation is also growing in practical economic areas. The EU and Armenia are implementing the €270 million Resilience and Growth Plan, which supports reforms and strengthens Armenia’s economy and resilience. Through initiatives such as Global Gateway, we are also exploring further investments in regional connectivity, economic diversification, digital and green transitions, energy security and climate cooperation.

At the same time, we are working to expand Armenia’s trade opportunities and help Armenian businesses benefit more from access to the EU market of around 450 million consumers. This can open new possibilities for Armenian exports, investment and economic growth.

-As European Commissioner responsible for internal affairs and migration, you are shaping the EU’s internal security agenda. In today’s geopolitical environment, how closely are Europe’s security challenges linked to developments in neighbouring regions such as the South Caucasus? What opportunities do you see for strengthening practical cooperation between Armenia and the European Union in areas such as border management, the fight against organised crime and cybercrime, and cooperation with European law-enforcement agencies? 

-Europe’s internal security is closely linked to developments in neighbouring regions. Threats such as organised crime, cybercrime and hybrid attacks often cross borders. A stable and resilient neighbourhood also makes the European Union more secure. Therefore, we support Armenia’s resilience, including in addressing hybrid threats.

There is strong potential to deepen practical cooperation in areas such as border management and security. EU agencies are already increasing their engagement. Frontex is ready to support Armenian border guards, and Europol is expanding cooperation with Armenian law enforcement authorities. It supports joint work against organised crime, including drug trafficking, money laundering, corruption and asset recovery. 

We are also in the final stages of the negotiations on a Working Arrangement with Frontex, which will strengthen cooperation on border management..

Finally, just two weeks ago, we adopted a Counter-Terrorism Agenda that highlights our strong commitment to working with international partners to fight terrorism and violent extremism.

-In recent years Armenia has undertaken a range of reforms aimed at improving migration governance, strengthening institutional capacity and modernising migration services. How does the European Union assess Armenia’s progress in these areas, and what kind of support can the EU provide to help Armenia address possible migration pressures or humanitarian challenges in a volatile regional environment?

-The European Union recognises the solid progress Armenia has made in recent years to improve migration governance and strengthen its institutions. Important reforms are underway to modernise migration services and improve migration management, and the EU strongly supports these efforts.

Since 2020, the EU has provided close to €30 million in technical assistance to support reforms in migration and home affairs, including equipment and support through regional Eastern Partnership programmes. In addition, around €40 million has been provided to support justice and anti-corruption reforms.

Through initiatives such as the €270 million Resilience and Growth Plan, we are also helping to strengthen Armenia’s institutions and resilience.

At the same time, the EU stands ready to provide further support if needed. The crisis in the Middle East can create humanitarian and migration pressures. In such situations, we will continue to work closely with Armenia to respond to humanitarian needs.

-Mr. Brunner, visa liberalisation remains one of the key issues in the EU-Armenia agenda and is of great interest to Armenian citizens. How do you assess the progress made so far in the visa liberalisation process, what key reforms remain ahead, and how realistic is the prospect that Armenian citizens could travel to the European Union without visas in the coming years?

-Visa liberalisation is an important part of the EU-Armenia partnership because it brings our people closer together. It will make travel easier for work, study, and tourism. This, in turn, deepens cooperation and people-to-people contacts.

Last November, we handed over the Visa Liberalisation Action Plan, and progress has been steady, especially on document security and migration management. The introduction of biometric identity documents is an important step, and I understand this will come into effect soon. Reforms are also continuing in areas such as asylum, and the fight against organised crime and corruption, with support from EU partners and agencies like Europol and Frontex.

Visa liberalisation is a benchmark-based process, so all requirements in the Action Plan must be met before a final decision can be taken - not only in the interest of the EU, but most importantly for the Armenian people. The first progress report will be presented at the EU -Armenia Summit in May 2026.

If this reform momentum continues, visa-free travel in the coming years is a realistic prospect. It would create new opportunities for Armenian citizens in education, business, tourism, and cultural exchange, and further strengthen ties between Armenia and the European Union.