MEP: EU ready to launch dialogue with Armenia on visa-free travel
A delegation of nine members of the European Parliament (MEPs), headed by Foreign Affairs committee Chair David McAllister (EPP, DE), arrived in Armenia on Monday, 18 June, to take stock of EU-Armenia relations and reform efforts.
The MEPs strong delegation met with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Speaker of the National Assembly Ara Babloyan as well as ministers, national MPs and civil society representatives, the EU official website said.
The delegation summed up the visit, voicing the EU’s support to Armenia in its 'ambitious' reforms.
“I know that there are calls for us to start negotiating a new deal to allow visa-free travel for Armenian. Let me be very clear. We are ready to support the launching of such a dialogue. I understand that existing agreements are being implemented. But we also need to see a reduction in the number of migrants from Armenia illegally staying in some EU Member States. And again, key reforms such as on fighting corruption need to bear fruit,” said David McAllister after the visit.
To note, the European Parliament will cast its final vote on the EU-Armenia Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA) on July 4.
Related news
- Bulgarian parliament ratifies EU-Armenia agreement
- Luxemburg FM: Armenia on the right track in EU visa liberalization issue
- Deputy FM: Armenia working towards EU visa liberalization