Deputy Foreign Minister Ashot Kostanyan met with the heads of European Union diplomatic missions accredited in Armenia to discuss the ongoing progress and implementation of the Armenia-EU Visa Liberalization Action Plan. The high-level dialogue, held in Yerevan, focused on strengthening cooperation between Armenia and the EU, addressing key milestones, and outlining the next steps toward facilitating visa-free travel for Armenian citizens. This engagement underscores Armenia’s commitment to deepening ties with the European Union and advancing comprehensive reforms in line with EU standards.
Deputy FM Kostanyan and EU Diplomats Review Progress on Armenia-EU Visa Liberalization Action Plan
During a high-level meeting in Yerevan, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Hrachya Kostanyan convened with the heads of EU diplomatic missions accredited in Armenia to evaluate the ongoing implementation of the Armenia-EU Visa Liberalization Action Plan. The discussion focused on recent advancements, highlighting Armenia’s commitment to meeting the benchmarks required for visa-free travel within the Schengen Area. Participants acknowledged notable improvements in areas such as border security, document integrity, and anti-corruption measures, emphasizing a collaborative approach to overcoming remaining challenges.
The dialogue underscored several key priorities moving forward:
- Enhanced border management through upgraded technologies and training
- Strengthening data protection to align with EU standards
- Improving judicial cooperation and fight against organized crime
- Continued public awareness campaigns on visa requirements and rights
Both Deputy FM Kostanyan and EU representatives expressed optimism regarding Armenia’s trajectory toward visa liberalization, reaffirming mutual commitment to a transparent and swift implementation process.
| Key Area | Status | Next Steps |
|---|---|---|
| Border Security | Advanced | Deploy next-gen scanners |
| Document Integrity | Improving | Enhance biometric systems |
| Judicial Sector | Ongoing reforms | Expand cross-border cooperation |
| Public Awareness | Active | Launch new outreach programs |
Key Challenges and Milestones Identified in Armenia-EU Visa Dialogue
During the latest Armenia-EU visa dialogue, key challenges emerged that continue to influence the pace and scope of the visa liberalization process. Both sides highlighted the importance of advancing border security measures and improving the management of migration flows. In particular, enhancing document security and strengthening the fight against irregular migration were underscored as pivotal hurdles. The parties also acknowledged the need to boost cooperation in judicial reforms and anti-corruption strategies, which remain fundamental for fulfilling the benchmarks set in the Visa Liberalization Action Plan (VLAP).
Significant milestones were also identified that mark steady progress toward visa-free travel. Notably, Armenia’s achievements in upgrading its biometric data systems and launching joint EU-Armenia training programs for border officials were praised as critical accomplishments. The delegation pointed to the following framework of ongoing and upcoming targets:
- Implementation of advanced passenger information systems by Q4 2024
- Countrywide deployment of electronic residence permits by mid-2025
- Expansion of public awareness campaigns on visa liberalization and travel rights
| Challenge | Milestone | Target Date | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Irregular migration control | Strengthening border cooperation | Q3 2024 | ||||||||||
| Document security enhancements | ||||||||||||
| Document security enhancements | Upgrading biometric data systems | Q4 2024 | ||||||||||
| Judicial reforms and anti-corruption | Implementing VLAP benchmarks | Mid 2025 |
| Challenge | Milestone | Target Date | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Irregular migration control | Strengthening border cooperation | Q3 2024 | ||||||||||
| Document security enhancements | Upgrading biometric data systems | Q4 2024 | ||||||||||
| Recommendations Emphasize Strengthening Legal Framework and Border Security Measures During the discussions, both Deputy Foreign Minister Kostanyan and the EU diplomatic heads underscored the critical need to enhance Armenia’s legal instruments to meet visa liberalization benchmarks. Strengthening the legislative environment was highlighted as a cornerstone for ensuring compliance with international standards, focusing on updating laws related to immigration, asylum procedures, and criminal justice reforms. This legal consolidation aims to foster transparency, improve enforcement, and provide clear frameworks for border operations. Equally emphasized was the modernization of border security infrastructure, with calls for advanced surveillance technologies and increased training for border personnel. The collaboration proposed includes:
These measures are seen as essential steps toward securing Armenia’s borders while facilitating legitimate travel and trade with EU member states.
Final ThoughtsThe meeting between Deputy Foreign Minister Davit Kostanyan and the heads of EU diplomatic missions in Armenia underscores the ongoing commitment of both sides to advancing the Armenia-EU Visa Liberalization Action Plan. As Armenia continues to implement the necessary reforms and fulfill the outlined benchmarks, the dialogue highlights the importance of close cooperation in strengthening ties and facilitating greater mobility for Armenian citizens. Both parties reaffirmed their dedication to a transparent and constructive process aimed at deepening Armenia’s integration with the European Union. Further updates on progress toward visa liberalization are anticipated in the coming months. ADVERTISEMENT  Related Posts |
