Epress.am News from Armenia
A seminar on facilitating the Armenia–EU visa regime, organized by Armenia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs within the frames of the EU TAIEX support program, kicked off in Yerevan on Feb. 8, according to a statement by Armenia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Welcoming remarks at the seminar were made by RA National Security Council Secretary Artur Baghdasaryan, RA Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Karine Kazinian and Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Armenia, Ambassador Raul de Luzenberger.
The issue of easing the process of citizens of the Republic of Armenia receiving visas to EU countries is the first item on the agenda in Armenia–EU bilateral cooperation. The seminar is an important harbor for launching talks on simplifying the Armenia–EU visa regime and readmission agreements. The signing of readmission agreements is aimed at facilitating the repatriation of illegal Armenian immigrants seeking asylum in the EU. According to Armenia’s foreign ministry, Yerevan has already signed such an agreement with nine of the 27 EU member states.
It is expected that visa facilitation agreements and accelerated procedures for travel to the EU will result in simpler visa requirements for certain groups, including members of official delegations, entrepreneurs, students, scientists, journalists, those participating in international sports events, those visiting close relatives and others.
The easing of the stringent visa rules would stem from Armenia’s inclusion in the EU’s Eastern Partnership program, which entitles six ex-Soviet states — Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Azerbaijan, and Ukraine — to closer political and economic partnership with the bloc.
The closer ties are due to be formalized by comprehensive Association Agreements between the EU and each of the states. Armenia and the EU launched the first round of association talks in July.