Vassilis Maragos, the European Union Ambassador to Armenia, is hopeful that the EU and Armenia can achieve visa liberalisation through mutual cooperation. However, Maragos noted that it is too early to delve into the specifics of the process.
Ongoing Dialogue on Visa Liberalisation
Earlier this month, the EU and Armenia initiated discussions at the political level regarding visa liberalisation. European Commission Vice-President Margaritis Schinas met with Armenian leaders, including President Vahagn Khachaturyan, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, and Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan. Schinas’s visit also included discussions on broader aspects of the EU-Armenia partnership agenda.
Strengthening EU-Armenia Relations
During his visit, Schinas emphasized that the dialogue on visa liberalisation, initiated with Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan, reflects the EU’s commitment to enhancing its partnership with Armenia. Maragos highlighted the existing strong cooperation between Armenia and the EU in areas like judicial reforms, border management, and the EU monitoring mission. Both sides aim to continue their collaboration, focusing on improving document security and ensuring safe travel.
Challenges for Armenian Nationals
Armenian nationals face challenges due to visa requirements, including lengthy waiting times for Schengen visas and issues related to entry into EU countries despite holding valid visas. These concerns underscore the need for continued efforts to streamline the visa process and address the challenges faced by Armenian citizens.
