• The EU-Armenia Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA)

• The new Partnership Agenda

• The Eastern Partnership 

• The Visa Liberalisation Dialogue

• Regional Context and Conflict Resolution

• Support to and coordination with the EU Mission in Armenia (EUMA) and the EU Special Representative (EUSR) for the South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia

• The European Peace Facility

  The EU-Armenia Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA) has replaced the EU-Armenia Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (1999), and provides a solid basis to further enhance the reform agenda in areas of mutual interest. Armenia and the EU continue to strengthen their political, security and trade dialogue. 

  Bodies under the CEPA: 

  The Partnership Council, which consists of representatives of the EU and Armenia at a ministerial level, governs the CEPA, meets at regular intervals, at least once a year, supervises and regularly reviews the CEPA implementation. 

  The Partnership Committee assists the Partnership Council in the performance of its duties and functions. The Partnership Committee in the trade configuration oversees the trade relations between EU and Armenia. Sub-committees and other bodies assist and regularly report on their activities to the Partnership Committee. 

  Parliamentary Partnership Committee is a forum for the European Parliament and National Assembly of Armenia to meet and exchange views. 

  Civil Society Platform is a forum to meet and exchange views. It consists of representatives of civil society, including members of the European Economic and Social Committee, and the Armenian National Platform of the Eastern Partnership. The Civil Society Platform may make recommendations to the Partnership Council, the Partnership Committee and Parliamentary Partnership Committee.

  In November 2023, the European Council mandated the European Commission and the High Representative to “Strengthen EU-Armenia relations in all their dimensions”. On this basis, a new EU-Armenia Partnership Agenda is being negotiated to establish more ambitious joint priorities for cooperation across all dimensions to realise the full potential of the CEPA.  

  To underpin the vision of this new, more ambitious agenda, the European Commission has put forward a EUR 270 million Resilience and Growth Plan for the period 2024-2027. This assistance package includes (1) EUR 200 million in grant assistance to support a socio-economic reform agenda and closer sectoral cooperation with the EU, and (2) EUR 70 million in investment grants. It is aimed to support Armenia’s socio-economic resilience and boost investments in business and connectivity (energy, transport, digital). 

  In parallel, a Visa Liberalisation Dialogue was launched in September 2024 to support Armenia in its long-term goal to achieve a visa-free travel regime with the EU. The dialogue will lead to reforms in substantial areas including the security of travel documents, border management, migration and asylum, public order, external relations and fundamental rights issues in Armenia.

  Regional Context and Conflict Resolution 

  The EU’s key priority is peaceful, politically stable and economically prosperous Southern Caucasus.  The EU Delegation to Armenia closely cooperates with the Office of the EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia to further strengthen the base for confidence, dialogue and normalisation of relations. 

  The EU has put in place various assistance programmes in support of these efforts. (e.g. EU4Peace, EU4Dialogue, projects supporting Armenia-Türkiye normalisation, EU4Culture).

  To contribute to further stability in the region, the EU has also agreed to deploy a civilian CSDP Mission – EU Mission in Armenia – since February 2023. EUMA is an essential component of the EU’s efforts to support peace and stability in the region. It is a civilian, unarmed mission, which is tasked with observing and reporting on the situation on the ground including by conducting patrols along the border with Armenia and Azerbaijan, contributing to human security in conflict-affected areas and supporting the confidence building between Armenia and Azerbaijan, where possible.

  The EU and Armenia have continuously strengthened their cooperation in the field of EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy and on 22 July 2024, the Council of the EU for the first time decided to provide assistance for Armenia under the European Peace Facility. The aim of this support measure is to enhance the logistical capacities of the Armenian Armed Forces, and to contribute to improved protection of civilians in crises and emergencies.

The EU is the largest donor in Armenia having provided significant assistance since the country gained independence. The EU is also providing technical and financial assistance to ensure the effective implementation of the EU-Armenia Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA). 

• Development cooperation 

• The Resilience and Growth Plan

• Global Gateway (Economic and Investment Plan in Armenia)

• Trade 

• EU-Armenia Common Aviation Area Agreement 

• Energy, Transport, Climate Change, Environment, Agriculture 

• Education, Science, Technology, Digitalisation 

• Humanitarian Aid 

  EU-Armenia cooperation 

  EU assistance to Armenia under the Global Gateway and the Resilience and Growth Plan, supports the government’s efforts to implement the CEPA and is linked to the country's reform commitments with the aim of improving the quality of life of Armenian citizens. The EU-Armenia cooperation aims at supporting government’s efforts to strengthen the rule of law through justice reforms, but also education, economic and social reforms. The EU also works towards improving the business climate, the rural and agricultural development, and supports in-country and regional connectivity.

  Trade 

  While the CEPA does not include tariff liberalisation, it aims to strengthen EU-Armenia trade ties by enhancing the regulatory landscape for businesses. At the heart of this relationship are the most-favoured nation (MFN) duties, in line with World Trade Organization (WTO), ensuring fair and competitive trade between the EU and Armenia.

  The EU is an important trade partner and a key export market for Armenia. The primary exports from the EU to Armenia consist of machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods, and chemicals. The EU’s imports from Armenia include manufactured goods such as apparel, as well as raw materials, beverages, and tobacco. Starting from March 2025, the EU has opened its market to Armenia’s high-quality aquaculture finfish and finfish products (caviar and roes). The EU has earlier opened its markets for other animal-origin products. 

  The EU is a major investor in Armenia with Foreign Direct Investments in banking, IT, and manufacturing. Armenia has Bilateral Investment Treaties with thirteen EU member states. Through the European Commission’s Access2Markets online database, Armenian exporters gain access to information helping them to navigate the EU market. 

  EU-Armenia Common Aviation Area Agreement 

  The EU-Armenia Common Aviation Area Agreement was signed on 15 November 2021. Armenia subsequently ratified the Agreement on 11 January 2023. The majority of EU Member States have also completed their ratification processes, underscoring their commitment to enhancing aviation ties with Armenia. Once it is fully ratified, the agreement will open up and integrate the respective air transport markets, strengthen cooperation and offer new opportunities for consumers and operators. It is estimated that once in force, the agreement would lead to increase in the passenger numbers by up to 87,000 in its first five years. 

  Energy, Transport, Climate Change, Environment, Agriculture 

  Energy 

  The EU will continue to invest in renewables, interconnectivity and energy efficiency to decrease energy consumption, pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, to strengthen energy and climate resilience across the region. The EU High Level Energy Efficiency initiative aims to scale up already existing activities and materialize the agreement between EU and International Financial Institutions (EIB, EBRD, WB, IFC and IMF) to collaborate more actively towards assisting reforms and supporting investments on energy efficiency. In terms of governance and reforms, EU cooperation under EU4Energy has delivered broad support that creates more favourable conditions for Renewable Energy Sources development. Nuclear safety is also a priority for the EU and we will continue providing assistance to Armenia to enhance safety at the Armenian Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant through the EU International Nuclear Safety Cooperation instrument.

  Transport 

  The EU collaborated closely with Armenia and other partners to prepare and complete the Indicative Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) Investment Action Plan. The completion of the extended TEN-T core network by 2030 is expected to foster connectivity and development in the entire Eastern Partnership region and improving access to economic opportunities for citizens and businesses, as well as provide for increased road safety. Efforts to improve road safety in Armenia are ongoing and involve coordination between government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and international partners. The EU has and will continue providing assistance for improvements in infrastructure and the development of the policy which are crucial for achieving safer roads for all users in Armenia.

  Climate Change 

  Armenia is a country with an ambitious climate change agenda, which makes significant efforts towards a low carbon development through increasing the share of renewable energy, promoting energy efficiency, preserving and enhancing forest-covered areas and reporting regularly to the UNFCCC. As part of its co-operation with the European Union, Armenia has made commitments to a green economy. This is reflected in the Eastern Partnership Summit Declarations and the CEPA. The Green Deal and Green Recovery dimensions are high in the EU-Armenia agenda. EU4Sevan and EU Water Initiative+ show strong EU-Armenia engagement in the environmental protection of Lake Sevan and River Basin Management, but can only be successful if everyone works hand in hand and takes responsibility. 

  Agriculture 

  The EU remains committed to supporting Armenian farmers who are an important component of the country’s economy. Agriculture accounts for about 8% of GDP and the sector is crucial for rural livelihoods. 

  The EU-Green Agriculture Initiative seeks to enhance sustainable agribusiness practices, aiming to improve food security, reduce poverty, and address environmental issues such as climate change. Key to achieving sustainable agricultural production is the effective management of natural resources and implementation of waste reduction strategies. Through the EU's leadership in promoting green agriculture approaches, Armenian farmers are encouraged to integrate eco-friendly practices and innovative solutions. The initiative increases access to modern agricultural technologies and provides essential training programs, helping farmers boost productivity while minimizing environmental impacts. These efforts not only assist in meeting immediate challenges but also to ensure long-term resilience and self-reliance for the agricultural sector. This is crucial for adapting to climate change and evolving market demands.

  Regional development 

  The EU actively supports regional and local economic development in Armenia to reduce regional disparities. Since 2015, the EU has provided ca EUR 80 million to promote the development of various sectors in Armenia’s regions. Key focus areas of the EU’s work in regional development include economic development through SME support (in particular in tourism and agriculture), job creation, education, skills development, infrastructure improvements, and decentralization of services.

  The Resilient Syunik Team Europe Initiative is the joint undertaking of the European Union, the European Investment Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and EU member states Austria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland and Sweden, with Switzerland also joining as an external partner. With an approximate budget of EUR 150 million, the main objective of the Resilient Syunik Team Europe Initiative is to contribute to the sustainable socioeconomic and institutional development of the Syunik region.

  Education 

  The EU has substantially supported the reform of Armenia’s education sector. Mainly concentrating on Secondary education, particularly STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) initially via the EU4Innovation programme and also through the Sector Support Programme (budget support). The latter concentrates on enhancing access to quality education, STEM subjects, schools infrastructure and management, professional orientation clubs, green economy projects and student learning outcomes assessment system (total of EUR 32 million, including EUR 2.7 million for technical assistance).

  In Vocational Education Training (VET) and higher education, the assistance is provided mainly through the Erasmus+ programme – and the EU TUMO Convergence Centre for Engineering and Applied Science. Armenia also has access to support under various EU programmes including Horizon Europe, EU4Youth and Creative Europe. Armenian students can also study in the Eastern Partnership European School. 

  Digitalisation 

  The EU is actively involved in supporting digitalisation and the e-government sector. Including the introduction of an electronic document management system “Mulberry” (paperless ministry concept); an e-system for submitting tax statements; electronic civil status registry, one-stop-shop vehicle registration system, automated driver’s licence issuing system, online e-police, e-citizen portal, e-visa system, e-apostille system, e-notary, e-draft (draft legal acts discussion platform) and an online business registry. As well as the interactive portal e-request.am to enable submitting requests, complaints or suggestions to the government and finally the establishment of single window and e-Government Interoperability Platform (GIP). 

  Furthermore, the regional EU4Digital project builds on a long history of EU cooperation with Armenia in the field of e-government and digitalisation, further strengthening EU-Armenia cooperation with a focus on telecom rules, e-trust and cross-border digital services, e-trade, e-health, ICT innovation and start-up ecosystems and digital skills. The outcomes of the initiative will result in improved online services for Armenian citizens at better prices and with greater choice. This will help attracting investments, boosting trade and employment as well as strengthen cooperation with EU Member States and within the Eastern Partnership.

  Humanitarian aid 

  The EU delivered humanitarian aid to Armenia on various occasions, particularly to overcome the COVID-19 crisis and the post-war situation. The EU activated its Rapid Response Mechanism during the COVID-19 pandemic and provided food, hygiene supplies and access to basic services for displaced refugees. Since 2020, the European Commission’s Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO) has allocated more than EUR 38 million to Armenia for humanitarian assistance. Overall, since September 2023, the EU has mobilised over EUR 65 million in assistance to address the needs of displaced Karabakh Armenians. 

The EU and Armenia hold an annual dialogue on human rights. The EU-Armenia Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA) is an important basis for advancing the human rights in Armenia. Human rights are addressed in a comprehensive manner and activities include legislative revisions, improvement of procedures and practice.

Civil Society 

The EU supports a wide range of civil society projects focusing on key priorities identified in the EU Roadmap for Engagement with Civil Society 2021-2027[1]. This roadmap is currently being updated.

The three main priorities of the EU support to civil society organisations (‘CSOs’) are: 1) enabling environment for CSOs in Armenia; 2) participation of CSOs in domestic policies, EU assistance and international processes 3) improving the capacity of CSOs to perform their role as independent development actors.

The EU supports civil society in Armenia through various bilateral and regional programmes.

The bilateral EU funding for CSOs in Armenia is committed and disbursed through calls for proposals financed through several different mechanisms.

In 2024, the bilateral and regional civil society portfolios comprised 37 ongoing grants amounting to EUR 50 million. In total, 28 ongoing projects are implementing subgrants totalling  more than EUR 15 million which is allocated for grassroots organisations and other local beneficiaries. 

Human Rights  

The EU encourages Armenia to continue its efforts in building a fully-fledged democracy ensuring good governance, the rule of law and protection of human rights.  

The National Strategy on Human Rights Protection and its 2023-2025 Action Plan are in line with the priorities under the CEPA. They outline strategic directions and specific activities to implement the rights enshrined in Armenia’s constitution and international commitments. The Strategy and Action Plan were prepared with open and constructive consultations with civil society. Their implementation is discussed in the annual EU-Armenia Human Rights Dialogue. 

The Country Gender Profile (CGP) of the Republic of Armenia (updated in 2024) examines a range of social, political and economic issues through a gender lens, covering the thematic areas of engagement included in the EU Gender Action Plan (GAP III). Its goal is to provide the European Delegation to Armenia with comprehensive information and recommendations to guide decision-making on the development of the Country Level Implementation Plan (CLIP), in line with GAP III, and on supporting the Government to mainstream gender and maximise efforts on gender equality. The document examines Armenia’s national context, highlights its legal and institutional framework for gender equality and women’s empowerment (GEWE), offers gender analysis on a sector by sector basis, and provides an assessment of the impact of the latest developments in Armenia on women and men. The last chapter proposes recommendations for the development of the Country Level Implementation Plan (CLIP), updated in 2023, to support the Government of the Republic of Armenia and civil society.

This Country Gender Profile was prepared by the EU4Gender Equality Reform Helpdesk project, funded by the European Union and implemented by Niras. Its content is the sole responsibility of NIRAS and does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.

Justice, Democracy and Rule of Law 

In line with the CEPA standards and associated EU-Armenia Strategic Policy Dialogue on Justice Reform, a comprehensive assistance package is being provided to Armenia to contribute to strengthening the integrity and accountability in the justice system, improving access to modern and quality judicial services and supporting the Government in its anti-corruption reform agenda. The bilateral EU support is complementary to other instruments of technical assistance and capacity-building such as regional programmes - for example the Partnership for Good Governance in the Eastern Partnership region, implemented with the Council of Europe.    

The EU Delegation has prepared a Roadmap for EU-Armenia cultural relations in consultation with relevant institutions and civil society organisations in Armenia. The roadmap is based on the EU’s Joint Communication 'Towards an EU strategy for international cultural relations’. 

The roadmap defines a set of steps and priorities for EU engagement and support. Through a framework of enhanced engagement with stakeholders, it aims at maximising the impact of the various EU tools, projects and programs which Armenia is eligible for (such as Creative Europe and EU4Culture) and to identify new opportunities for International Cultural Relations and cultural diplomacy. 

The EU's strategy to support International Cultural Relations in Armenia aims to contribute to sustainable development, foster intercultural dialogue, promote and protect cultural heritage, to fight against trafficking in cultural goods, support the development of a high-quality cultural offer in Armenia which is accessible to all, strengthen diplomatic ties through shared cultural experiences and to support artists and cultural players. These efforts also contribute to enhancing people-to-people contacts between the EU and Armenia. 

Cooperation in the cultural field, focusing on intercultural dialogue, cooperation, diversity and cultural and historical heritage, is one of the priorities under the EU-Armenia Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA). In addition, support for cultural and tourism projects aim to diversify regional economies beyond Yerevan and to leverage cultural heritage for inclusive growth.

EU4Culture 

The regional programme EU4Culture, implemented by the Goethe Institute, strengthens the Cultural and Creative Sectors (CCS) by empowering stakeholders in the regions with tools and resources to make culture a driver for economic growth and social development.

EUNIC 

The European Union National Institutes of Culture (EUNIC) is a global network of EU Cultural Institutes, which unites 36 cultural Institutes from 27 Member States. EUNIC members work in the arts, languages, youth, education, science, society, and development. At a local level, EUNIC members join together in over 100 clusters - in cities and countries - to collaborate on common projects and programmes and to promote the role of culture in the EU’s internal and external relations. An EUNIC Armenia cluster was launched on 2 October 2018 and is very active.

Creative Europe Armenia 

Every year projects are funded through calls for proposals for the Armenian civil society, creative industries and artists. A ‘Creative Europe Desk Armenia’ has been established with the support of the European Commission and the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of the Republic of Armenia. The activities of the Creative Europe Desk contribute to raising awareness in Armenia about the "Creative Europe" Programme and the open calls for proposals, capacity-building of cultural organisations, structures, and individuals as well as identifying potential partners and much more. The office conducts information events and workshops for potential beneficiaries and provides consultancy on the open calls, deadlines, application packages, and other details. 

‘KATAPULT’ Creative Accelerator Program

The EU funded ‘KATAPULT’ Creative Accelerator Program (EUR 3 million) is a project designed by the Armenian General Benevolent Union Armenia (AGBU) in partnership with Creative Armenia (CA). Its objective is to vitalise the cultural and creative industries (‘CCIs’) and catalyse a thriving creative economy in Armenia. KATAPULT addresses existing knowledge and skills gaps not only for creative professionals, but also within existing support services, institutions and infrastructure.