Pashinyan: In the short term, Armenia`s border troops will have to take control of all state borders

ArmInfo. Active work must continue to successfully conclude the visa liberalization negotiations between Armenia and the European Union. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated this on November 2 during discussions of the draft state budget at a joint session of the National Assembly committees.

According to him, a new system of biometric passports and identification cards was launched in Armenia on November 1. Its implementation was preceded by a large-scale reform program. The new passport and card system complies with all international standards, which is crucial for the success of the visa liberalization negotiations with the European Union. Along this path, the Prime Minister noted, a rather complex stage of reforms remains to be carried out, which should be aimed at bringing certain areas into line with European standards. The necessary systems must be reformed. "We are determined to follow this path: some change in the status of the border troops, which in the short term will have to take control of all state borders. The government's program for 2026-2031 contains a reference to this topic, and we will gradually move along this path," the head of government said, recalling that in the recent past, the Armenian side did not control some checkpoints. However, in recent years, control at these checkpoints has been exercised exclusively by the Armenian border troops, who, step by step, must fully assume control of the country's borders. Along this path, the country's border service must also be reformed. Pashinyan emphasized that in the near future, citizens with biometric passports will be able to cross the border using the e-gate system, an automated, contactless border control system. This means that citizens crossing the border will not have any contact with border guards. Initially, this capability will be implemented at Zvartnots International Airport, followed by all other border crossings. To address this issue with citizens located abroad, cooperation with foreign countries will be necessary.

As a reminder, the Armenian government officially approved the draft law "On the State Budget of the Republic of Armenia for 2027" on October 1, 2026. According to the document, state treasury revenues will amount to 3 trillion 603.8 billion drams (including approximately 3 trillion 462.7 billion drams in taxes and state duties, 14.2 billion drams in subsidies, and 126.9 billion drams in other revenues). This represents an increase of approximately 11.9% over the expected 2026 level. Expenditures will amount to 4 trillion 72 billion drams. The budget deficit will amount to 468.2 billion drams (about $1.3 billion). The deficit is planned to be financed from domestic sources (187.5 billion drams) and from external sources (about 280.7 billion drams). Armenia's nominal GDP in 2027 is expected to be 13.614 trillion drams, compared to 12.465 trillion drams in 2026.