European Union and Armenia adopt new Strategic Agenda to deepen partnership
The European Union and the Republic of Armenia have today adopted a new Strategic Agenda for the EU-Armenia Partnership, marking a significant step forward in the deepening of political, economic and sectoral cooperation between the two partners. The document was endorsed by the EU-Armenia Partnership Council and replaces the 2017 Partnership Priorities, setting out a more ambitious and comprehensive framework for joint action.
Building on the foundations of the EU-Armenia Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA), the Strategic Agenda charts a shared vision for the coming years and responds to Armenia’s expressed ambition to strengthen ties with the European Union. It reflects the enhanced momentum in bilateral relations and covers a wide range of areas, including democracy and rule of law, justice reform, human rights, socio-economic development, connectivity, energy security, digital transformation, trade diversification, and new cooperation on security and defence.
Connectivity is a central pillar of the document, highlighting joint efforts to enhance transport, digital and energy links between Armenia, the region and the EU. The Agenda emphasises strategic investments under the Global Gateway and support for initiatives such as the “Crossroads of Peace” to improve regional interconnections, boost economic resilience and open new opportunities for trade and mobility.
The Agenda introduces short-term (3-4 years) and medium-term (7 years) priorities, designed to deliver tangible benefits for citizens and support Armenia’s resilience in the face of a challenging regional environment. It reaffirms the EU’s strong commitment to supporting Armenia’s reform agenda, including through technical and financial assistance under the Resilience and Growth Plan.
The Strategic Agenda also underscores the importance of mobility, notably through the ongoing visa liberalisation dialogue, as well as support for the social and economic inclusion of displaced Karabakh Armenians. It strengthens cooperation in the fields of security, crisis management, hybrid threats and cyber resilience, while maintaining the EU’s full support for efforts towards lasting peace in the region.
By defining clear priorities and a structured approach to implementation and monitoring, the new Strategic Agenda provides a renewed and forward-looking framework for EU-Armenia relations. It confirms the EU’s readiness to work closely with Armenia, its civil society and international partners to advance shared values, promote stability and prosperity, and deliver concrete results for citizens on both sides.