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EC PRESIDENT PLEDGES FASTER INTEGRATION DURING VISIT TO ARMENIA
by Lilit Gevorgyan
Global Insight
December 5, 2012
During his recent trip to Armenia, the European Commission (EC)
president Jose Manuel Barroso welcomed the South Caucasian former
Soviet republic's commitment to reforms. In particular, Barroso noted
progress made by Armenian authorities in May's parliamentary election
by ensuring greater transparency and a level playing field for all
political parties. The head of the EU's executive branch also stated
that the 27 -member European bloc will extend EUR15 million for
ongoing judicial reforms. Barroso also stated that Armenia and the EU
have made significant progress under the Mobility Dialogue. This will
involve signing the Visa Facilitation Agreement on 17 December, as
well as the Readmission Agreement, although the latter will take place
at a later stage. While pledging financial assistance, Barroso said
that beyond providing technical aid the EU has the political will and
commitment to continue co-operating with Armenia, adding, "We believe
that Armenia is a European country, that you belong to the European
family of nations and that we have everything to gain from working
even closer." He urged the Armenian authorities to remain on the
reform path and work on improving democratic institutions,
independence of the judiciary, political pluralism, media freedom and
protection of fundamental rights. According to Barroso, Armenia,
Georgia and Moldova are currently the best reformers among the Eastern
European Partnership members, that also includes Azerbaijan, Belarus
and Ukraine.
Significance:Positive endorsement from Barroso is welcome news for
President Serzh Sargsyan's government. Sargsyan has managed to turn
the tide of the Western criticism after he started his presidential
term in 2008 with disputed elections followed by unusual deadly
clashes between the police and protesters. The progress made with the
EU will be helpful during the upcoming election campaign as Sargsyan
bids for his second presidential term in February 2013. The signing of
the visa facilitation agreement in particular will be an achievement
that countries like Russia and Ukraine have yet to gain from the EU.
In late June Armenia launched Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade
Agreement (DCFTA) talks, as part of a wider Association Agreement with
the European bloc (seeArmenia - Europe: 25 June 2012:). The parties
now have 15 chapters to go through, which will fully harmonise
bilateral commercial relations. The talks are likely to conclude by
the end of 2012 or the beginning of 2013.
From: A. Papazian
by Lilit Gevorgyan
Global Insight
December 5, 2012
During his recent trip to Armenia, the European Commission (EC)
president Jose Manuel Barroso welcomed the South Caucasian former
Soviet republic's commitment to reforms. In particular, Barroso noted
progress made by Armenian authorities in May's parliamentary election
by ensuring greater transparency and a level playing field for all
political parties. The head of the EU's executive branch also stated
that the 27 -member European bloc will extend EUR15 million for
ongoing judicial reforms. Barroso also stated that Armenia and the EU
have made significant progress under the Mobility Dialogue. This will
involve signing the Visa Facilitation Agreement on 17 December, as
well as the Readmission Agreement, although the latter will take place
at a later stage. While pledging financial assistance, Barroso said
that beyond providing technical aid the EU has the political will and
commitment to continue co-operating with Armenia, adding, "We believe
that Armenia is a European country, that you belong to the European
family of nations and that we have everything to gain from working
even closer." He urged the Armenian authorities to remain on the
reform path and work on improving democratic institutions,
independence of the judiciary, political pluralism, media freedom and
protection of fundamental rights. According to Barroso, Armenia,
Georgia and Moldova are currently the best reformers among the Eastern
European Partnership members, that also includes Azerbaijan, Belarus
and Ukraine.
Significance:Positive endorsement from Barroso is welcome news for
President Serzh Sargsyan's government. Sargsyan has managed to turn
the tide of the Western criticism after he started his presidential
term in 2008 with disputed elections followed by unusual deadly
clashes between the police and protesters. The progress made with the
EU will be helpful during the upcoming election campaign as Sargsyan
bids for his second presidential term in February 2013. The signing of
the visa facilitation agreement in particular will be an achievement
that countries like Russia and Ukraine have yet to gain from the EU.
In late June Armenia launched Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade
Agreement (DCFTA) talks, as part of a wider Association Agreement with
the European bloc (seeArmenia - Europe: 25 June 2012:). The parties
now have 15 chapters to go through, which will fully harmonise
bilateral commercial relations. The talks are likely to conclude by
the end of 2012 or the beginning of 2013.
From: A. Papazian