Today, representatives from the EU Delegation and the Government of the Republic of Armenia gathered to mark four years since the full entry into force of the EU-Armenia Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The event highlighted the deepening EU-Armenia partnership, assessed CEPA implementation progress, and explored ways to enhance its efficiency.
Bringing together around 80 participants, the retreat served as a platform for peer-to-peer exchanges and strategic discussions on CEPA-related reforms. The Government of Armenia representatives presented their draft review of CEPA implementation up to the end of 2024, outlining key achievements, ongoing challenges, and priority areas for further EU support.
The Head of the EU Delegation to Armenia, Ambassador Vassilis Maragos, reaffirmed CEPA as the foundation of EU-Armenia relations, praising Armenia’s commitment to reforms despite challenges. ‘We commend Armenian authorities for the progress achieved , but we need to work together to accelerate reforms and deepen EU-Armenia cooperation using the full potential of CEPA, in particular when it comes to the adoption of EU standards in the area of economic development. Armenia and the EU will soon finalise negotiations for a New Partnership Agenda which will further broaden our cooperation in areas such as security-related reforms and visa liberalisation.’
In his opening remarks, Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan noted that ‘In the light of geopolitical developments, it is crucial to discuss and assess the progress of Armenia’s vital agenda—reforms—because their proper understanding, recognition, and implementation are essential for the country’s stable development and progress.’ He added, ‘Despite numerous internal and external challenges, the Government of Armenia is steadily moving forward on the path of reforms it has set, making necessary adjustments along the way and closely cooperating with the European Union.’ The Deputy Prime Minister also emphasized the importance of shaping ambitious approaches arising from the deepening bilateral relations with the EU, particularly the ongoing negotiations for the new Armenia-EU Partnership Agenda and the EU Resilience and Growth Plan for Armenia, which is currently under discussion with the European Commission.
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As a guest speaker, Ms. Meglena Kuneva – former EU Commissioner for Consumer Affairs, former Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister, and former Head of the EU Delegation to the Council of Europe – shared insights from Bulgaria’s reform and EU accession experience. She emphasized the importance of strong public administration as a key factor in successfully implementing EU-related reforms.
The Second CEPA Retreat reaffirmed the shared commitment of the EU and Armenia to deepening cooperation under CEPA. Moving forward, both sides will continue to work together to accelerate reform efforts, strengthen governance, and ensure CEPA delivers concrete benefits for Armenian citizens.
Delegation of the European
Union to Armenia
