Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan took part on October 13 in a panel discussion on the future of EU enlargement at the Warsaw Security Forum. The session was titled “Half-ready or a step-by-step approach? Rethinking EU enlargement.”
According to the Foreign Ministry, the opening remarks were delivered by Montenegro President Jakov Milatović. The panel also included Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys and Romanian Foreign Minister Oana-Silvia Țoiu.
Asked what the final destination is for Armenia as it moves closer to Europe, Mirzoyan said ties between Armenia and the European Union are now unprecedentedly deep and broad, covering a wide range of areas. He noted that the sides are holding a visa liberalization dialogue, while the EU monitoring mission continues to operate on the Armenia-Azerbaijan border.
The minister also said Armenia had recently accepted a second mission that is temporary in nature but works on a permanent basis to support the country in addressing hybrid threats. In his words, Armenia-EU cooperation goes beyond political dialogue, the economy and trade, and also includes security.
Mirzoyan highlighted the economic track as well, saying that despite not being an EU candidate country, Armenia has received autonomous trade measures from the bloc. He said the move is intended to help diversify Armenia’s export markets.
He added that Armenia has signed an agreement with the European Union that will allow it to participate in various EU missions in different parts of the world. He also referred to support provided through the Growth and Resilience Plan and under the European Peace Facility.
