ArmInfo. Relations between Armenia and the European Union are based on the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA). Andrea Wiktorin, EU Ambassador to Armenia, said on May 10 at a press conference in Yerevan dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Armenia and the European Union.
She recalled that May 9 is traditionally celebrated as Europe Day, and in this light, the Schuman Declaration, which laid the foundation for the EU project, is remembered. "Today, these festivities take on an exceptional meaning, as since April 24 Europe has been watching the return of large-scale hostilities in Ukraine. However, we are confident that the integration processes within the EU are a story of centuries of success. And Europe Day is a good opportunity to let down the outcome of what we do: we protect and stimulate peace, we will contribute to security both on the European continent and throughout the world, as well as the promotion of democratic values. It is in this spirit that we interact with Armenia. We are together and promote reforms and democracy in the country on the benefit of the citizens of Armenia. This is our ultimate goal," the Ambassador said.
At the same time, Wiktorin reminded that in August this year, Armenia and the EU will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. In this vein, the European diplomat added that the relationship between the two parties is based on a Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement.
"CEPA is the roadmap for our relations, and I am proud that the Armenian government is using it as a blueprint for the reform process. In this spirit, we continue our cooperation," the European diplomat said, adding that a meeting of the partnership committee was held last week, the purpose of which, among other things, is to strengthen peace and security in the region, as well as throughout the world, also to expand cooperation in the field of universal freedoms, security and justice.
At the same time, she said that on the issues of strengthening human rights and respect for fundamental freedoms, the EU cooperates not only with the government of the Republic of Armenia, but also with representatives of civil society and the Human Rights Defender of the Republic of Armenia. She noted that at this stage, work is underway to develop an annual plan of interaction, participation in the reform of the justice sector will continue, and there will be involvement in the field of education as well. In this vein, she pointed out the importance of investing in the field of youth. She also reported on the implementation of the project on sustainable development in the Syunik region within the framework of the Team Europe project.
In turn, Ambassador of France to Armenia Anne Louyot announced her readiness to closely cooperate with the Government of the Republic of Armenia and with the EU delegation in order to strengthen cooperation. "Today, on Europe Day, it is important to remember Schuman's statement made 72 years ago. This Declaration was aimed at creating a united Europe, this is the reason why we are assisting all the aspirations of the Armenian government aimed at peace and the establishment of regional stability, especially in this difficult period when there is a war in Ukraine," the diplomat said, stating that Armenia is an important partner for the European Union.
At the same time, the diplomat announced the desire of European countries to share their system of values with their partners. "And these values are the basis of CEPA, on which we work closely and are ready to emphasize the high level of negotiations," she summed up.
Meanwhile, for clarification, 2.6 billion euros allocated by the European Union to Armenia is a condition for the normalization of Armenian-Azerbaijani relations, the EU ambassador stressed that this investment package is a proposal for Armenia. She added that this is a proposal of the European Commission aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation.
"Yes, everyone is interested in eliminating differences between Armenia and Azerbaijan. But we also have bilateral cooperation. We must cooperate, and there are areas of interaction. We have already said that relations are developing in a really positive manner and in an environment of trust," the European diplomat, adding that the cooperation between Armenia and the EU is very different currently and in the past.
At the same time, she stressed that all the areas in which Armenia and the EU will cooperate are indicated in the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement between Armenia and the EU. At the same time, she pointed to the desire of Brussels to promote cooperation in these areas - both from an economic point of view and from the point of view of package projects.