The European Union and Armenia have officially started a dialogue on visa-free travel, marking a significant step towards facilitating easier and more cost-effective travel for Armenian citizens.
This dialogue aims to help Armenia achieve its long-term goal of visa exemption with the EU.
The process, initiated after the Foreign Affairs Council meeting, will bring about crucial reforms in various sectors such as travel document security, border management, migration and asylum, public order, external relations, and fundamental rights in Armenia.
The European Commission will closely monitor the progress in these areas in collaboration with the European Parliament and the Council.
The dialogue, framed within a visa liberalization action plan, will be presented to Armenian authorities following Council discussions.
Visa liberalization is not automatic; it will be considered only after the successful completion of the dialogue and fulfillment of all conditions outlined in the action plan.
Once accomplished, Armenian citizens will find it easier and cheaper to travel to Europe for short stays (less than 90 days within any 180-day period).
Since January 1, 2014, Armenian citizens have benefited from a visa facilitation agreement with the EU.
The new dialogue follows several initiatives aimed at strengthening EU-Armenia cooperation under the Eastern Partnership, including the 2021 Eastern Partnership summit, which considered launching new visa liberalization dialogues once conditions were met.
Established in 2009, the Eastern Partnership aims to bolster relations with neighboring countries.
The EU and Armenia are advancing an ambitious new partnership agenda, following the April 5, 2024 meeting between President von der Leyen, High Representative Josep Borrell, and Prime Minister Pashinyan.
This dialogue represents a hopeful step towards a future where Armenian citizens can travel more freely across Europe, promoting greater cultural exchange and stronger economic ties.
