EU Commission begins path to visa-free travel for Armenia

Brussels (The Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The EU Commission begins a visa liberalisation dialogue with Armenia, aiming for a visa-free regime, focusing on document security, border control, migration, asylum, and public order.

Following yesterday’s declaration by the Foreign Affairs Council, the EU Commission has announced that it is launching a dialogue on visa liberalisation with Armenia. This method will support Armenia in its long-term goal to acquire a visa-free regime with the EU.  

What Reforms Will the Dialogue Address?

EU Commission states that the dialogue will usher in reforms in important areas including the security of travel documents, border control, migration and asylum, public order, external relations and fundamental rights problems in Armenia. The EU Commission will observe progress in these areas precisely, in close cooperation with the European Parliament and the Council. 

What Role Does the Visa Liberalisation Action Plan Play?

The dialogue will be performed under a Visa Liberalisation Action Plan (VLAP) that following a meeting in the EU Council will be presented to the Armenian authorities. Visa liberalisation is not an automated process. 

What Are the Requirements for Visa Liberalisation?

It will be assessed only once the dialogue is completed and all the requirements listed in the VLAP are met. Once the dialogue is successfully concluded, it will be easier and less expensive for Armenian citizens to journey to Europe for short-term stays (less than 90 days in any 180 days). Armenian residents already enjoy the advantages of a visa facilitation contract with the EU since 1 January 2014.  

How Does the Eastern Partnership Influence This Initiative?

The takeoff of the visa liberalisation discussion is a follow-up to several initiatives to heighten cooperation with Armenia in the framework of the EU’s Eastern Partnership, including the 2021 Eastern Partnership Summit, which assessed the possibility of establishing new visa liberalisation dialogues, once the requirements were met. The Eastern Partnership was founded in 2009, to enhance relations with neighboring nations. The EU and Armenia are taking ahead a new and enterprising Partnership Agenda, following the conference on 5 April 2024 between President von der Leyen, High Representative Josep Borrell and Prime Minister Pashinyan.