Research on Moldova and Georgia`s Path Toward EU Visa Liberalization  Presented in Yerevan

ArmInfo.A presentation was held in Yerevan regarding a research study on the implementation of the EU Visa Liberalization Action Plan (VLAP) in Moldova and Georgia. The study, conducted by the Policy and Management Consultancy (PMCG), details how these countries reformed their systems to comply with EU standards. It highlights that the experiences of Moldova and Georgia serve as key benchmarks for Armenia's own visa liberalization process.

In his opening remarks, Jakob Wollenstein, Head of the Konrad  Adenauer Foundation's "Political Dialogue South Caucasus" regional  program, stated that Armenia's rapprochement with the EU must involve  concrete actions. He emphasized that visa liberalization is a  critical component of this process.

"I believe that within a few years, we will achieve visa  liberalization for Armenia. And yes, I sincerely hope this will not  conflict with Armenia's membership in the Eurasian Economic Union.  After all, Mr.  Putin only recently mentioned a possible 'divorce'  due to emerging contradictions," Wollenstein remarked.  Regarding the  presentation itself, he acknowledged that while every country has its  own path, the extensive experience of Georgia and Moldova is intended  to help Armenia navigate this process more smoothly.  Wollenstein  also noted that visa liberalization is not merely about travel, but  also about legislative harmonization. "We all understand that Armenia  is currently 'under fire.' Certain countries do not want it to pursue  a European path. We see this in the lead-up to the June 7  parliamentary elections and the attempts to influence them through  hybrid threats," he added.

In turn, Shalva Khutsishvili, Head of Rule of Law and Security Policy  at PMCG and former Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of Georgia,  stated that the goal of the study is to provide Armenian partners  with practical knowledge. "Our aim is to provide comprehensive  information on our experience and how we overcame emerging  challenges. By studying the obstacles both countries faced and the  strategies they employed, we can offer Armenia practical insights  useful for further developing and strengthening its ties with the  EU," he said.

During the presentation, experts discussed the operational aspects of  implementing the Visa Liberalization Action Plan in Moldova and  Georgia, including systemic structure, division of functions,  cooperation with donors and international partners, strategic  communication, and identified strengths and weaknesses.  In the  context of document security reforms, the experts provided an  overview of developments, core challenges in identity management and  their solutions, as well as major reforms aimed at establishing  migration management systems, developing analytical capabilities,  introducing new practices to combat illegal migration, and aligning  asylum procedures with EU standards.

The event was held as part of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation's  regional program "Political Dialogue in the South Caucasus."