Yerevan, Brussels issue joint statement following Armenia-EU summit

ArmInfo. Yerevan and Brussels issued a joint statement following the first-ever Armenia-European Union summit. The statement, released by the  Armenian government, consists of 44 points.

"Today's Summit marks a historic milestone in deepening EU-Armenia  relations. It reflects the significant achievements of recent years  and the strategic importance of our partnership, which brings  tangible benefits to our citizens and businesses. The EU reaffirms  its steadfast commitment to further strengthen its relations with  Armenia and to support Armenia's sovereignty, resilience, and  comprehensive reform agenda, based on the respect for democracy,  human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law, as well as  its long- term development, by bringing Armenia and its people closer  to the European Union. The EU also supports Armenia's willingness to  intensify the bilateral partnership through sectoral integration and  rapprochement with the EU acquis," the first paragraph of the  statement reads.  Among other things, the EU statement acknowledges  the European aspirations of the Armenian people, reaffirms that  Armenia's future must be determined freely and democratically by its  citizens, and acknowledges Armenia's commitment to build a deep and  sustainable democracy, as set out in the Comprehensive and Enhanced  Partnership Agreement and the Strategic Agenda for the EU-Armenia  Partnership.

Moreover, the document contains points regarding the continued  promotion of the EU's 270 million euro.  "The EUR 270 million  Resilience and Growth Plan continues to advance Armenia's  socioeconomic reform agenda, strengthen sectoral cooperation, and  promote investments in energy, transport, and the private sector.  Possible avenues for financial support beyond 2027 may be considered  to further support the country's reform agenda and closer alignment  with the EU. 11. Under the Global Gateway strategy, EU investments in  Armenia are expected to reach EUR 2.5 billion. Armenia and the EU are  committed to fostering inclusive growth and enhanced connectivity  based on mutually beneficial cooperation." 

  It is noted that Armenia and the EU have committed to cooperating  on the issue of preventing the circumvention of EU sanctions. It also  reports on the start of negotiations on an agreement on the "Security  of Information" on the exchange of classified information, as well as  the entry into force of the Agreement defining the framework for  Armenia's participation in EU crisis management operations. It is  also stated that the European Union has allocated EUR 30 million  aimed at enhancing the resilience of Armenia and accelerating the  interoperability of its Armed Forces in case of possible future  participation in international missions and operations, including  those deployed by the EU. It also indicates cooperation in the energy  sector, including the extension of the life of the Armenian Nuclear  Power Plant until 2040.