European Commission: EU, Armenia reach historic level of cooperation

Spokesman for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy at the European Commission Anouar El Anouni has said that the EU and Armenia are currently closer than ever.

He made remarks during a press conference at the European Commission (EC) by commenting on Armenia's government decision to initiate the process of joining the EU, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

"The ongoing discussions highlight the appeal of the EU and its values. We have never been as close to Armenia as we are now," he said.

Al-Ani reminded that the EU and Armenia have launched a dialogue on visa liberalization. Additionally, he noted that the EU has increased its financial aid to Armenia.

Earlier, the Armenian government approved a draft decision to begin the EU accession process, which will be discussed by the parliament. 

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan emphasized that this does not mean Armenia's membership in the EU in the direct sense of the word, as the decision on this issue can only be made through a referendum. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk stated that Russia views the discussion of a bill on Armenia's EU accession as the beginning of the country’s exit from the EAEU. He said that joining the EU is incompatible with being a member of the Eurasian Economic Union.

By Naila Huseynova