EU NEIGHBOURS east. On 20 March, representatives from the EU Delegation to Armenia and the Armenian government gathered to mark four years since the full entry into force of the EU-Armenia Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
Bringing together around 80 participants, the event highlighted the deepening EU-Armenia partnership, assessed CEPA implementation progress and served as a platform for peer-to-peer exchanges and strategic discussions on CEPA-related reforms. The Armenian government 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.
“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,” said EU Ambassador Vassilis Maragos. “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.”
“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,” said Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan.
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As a guest speaker, 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 her insights from Bulgaria’s reform and EU accession experience. She also highlighted the importance of strong public administration as a key factor in successfully implementing EU-related reforms.
