EAFJD Welcomes European Parliament Resolution demanding the Armenian authorities to guarantee full respect for opposition rights, judicial independence and freedom of expression and Demanding Justice for Artsakh Armenians and the Hostages
BRUSSELS, 30th of April 2026 –The European Armenian Federation for Justice and Democracy (EAFJD) welcomes the adoption today of the “Resolution on supporting democratic resilience in Armenia” by the European Parliament. This landmark document solidifies the European Union’s commitment to Armenia’s sovereign choice for European integration and sets clear expectations for reforms in the judiciary and the strengthening democratic institutions.
The resolution addresses the new phase of EU-Armenia relations, which is marked by expanded security cooperation and a shared commitment to democracy and the rule of law. It serves as a comprehensive roadmap for the EU-Armenia partnership, covering the implementation of the new strategic agenda, the Resilience and Growth Plan, and Armenia’s formal aspiration for EU membership.
As Armenia prepares for the strategically vital parliamentary elections on June 7, 2026, the European Parliament has sent an unequivocal signal that these elections must be free, fair, and competitive. The EAFJD particularly highlights Parliament’s insistence on “full respect for opposition rights” and the necessity of a level playing field for all political actors. We echo the call for robust safeguards against foreign interference and hybrid threats, specifically those aimed at destabilizing Armenia’s democratic institutions.
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The necessity to safeguard the electoral integrity of the upcoming elections was welcomed by EAFJD President Kaspar Karampetian, who stated:
The resolution addresses critical pillars of justice and security that are essential for sustainable peace in the region:
- Justice for Armenian Hostages and Accountability: The Parliament condemns Azerbaijan’s unjust detention of Armenian prisoners of war and hostages, demanding their immediate and unconditional release. It stresses that any sustainable peace must be grounded in respect for Armenia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
- Rights of Artsakh Armenians: The resolution reiterates firm support for the rights of Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians, including the protection of their identity and property.
- It explicitly calls for their right to a safe, unimpeded, and dignified return under international guarantees.
- It demands accountability for the destruction of Armenian cultural and religious heritage and calls for an international assessment mission.
“I salute the European Parliament reaffirming its commitment in defending the rights of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh including their right to return under international security guarantees. In light of the tragic recent news of the destruction of two Armenian Churches in Stepanakert by Azerbaijan, it is imperative that the European Commission acts on the mandate which the European Parliament consistently provides on holding Azerbaijan accountable for its crimes, on the basis of justice and the democratic values this resolution is based on”- concluded Karampetian.
ARF PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICE