European Union plans to abolish visas for Armenians

Faced with tense relations in the Caucasus region and Armenia's desire to draw closer to Europe, the European Union (EU) has recently initiated discussions with a view to lifting visa requirements for Armenian citizens.

Talks to lift visa requirements for Armenians in Europe

On February 27, the European Commissioner for International Relations, Jutta Urpilainen, expressed the EU's desire to simplify access to the European area for Armenians.. At present, Armenian citizens require a Schengen visa to enter the European Union, unlike their Moldovan and Georgian neighbors.

Recently, Greece calls for closer ties between the EU and Armeniato stabilize the situation in the Caucasus region. In addition, the intensification of tensions and violence in the Nagorno-Karabakh region has forced many Armenians to flee their country, increasing migratory pressures on Europe.

Armenia, a country seeking closer ties with Europe

For several years now, Armenia has been expressing an interest in closer ties with the European Union. In 2017, the Armenian government signed a partnership agreement with the EU, with the aim of establishing closer cooperation and benefiting from the organization's financial and technical support.

However, this desire for integration comes up against political and geopolitical obstacles. These include the still-burning issue of Nagorno-Karabakh, a region at the heart of a conflict that has pitted Armenia against Azerbaijan for almost three decades. Tensions between these two neighboring nations could have repercussions on the stability of the entire Caucasus region, and jeopardize the rapprochement efforts between Armenia and the European Union.

This measure also raises issues of security and border control. Anyone who has obtained a visa or stamp from the de facto Nagorno-Karabakh authorities is banned from entering Azerbaijan. The lifting of visas for Armenians could therefore create additional tensions between Azerbaijan and the European Union, undermining efforts to stabilize the region.

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