Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan signed a law on the beginning of the process of the country’s accession to the European Union, the official website of the head of state reported on 4 April.
The law declares Armenia’s intention to join the “family of progressive, civilised and developed mankind” and enshrines the political will and determination of the current government to implement this course.
The document notes that membership in the EU will contribute to ensuring national security, modernising the army according to the standards of EU member states, strengthening human rights, creating new economic mechanisms, as well as raising living standards and solving demographic problems.
On 26 March, the Armenian Parliament approved in the second and final reading the law “on the beginning of the accession process of the Republic of Armenia to the European Union”.
The decision, however, does not give Armenia official status as a candidate for EU accession – unlike Ukraine and Moldova. The EU welcomed the adoption of the bill by the parliament in Yerevan, calling it” another important step in the already very strong EU-Armenia relations “and a clear expression of Armenia’s unwavering commitment to our common values and the country’s democratic path”.