Polish President Andrzej Duda has expressed his support for Armenia’s visa liberalization with the EU. During his recent visit to Yerevan, the head of Poland spoke with Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturian about the matter, among other topics.
During the meeting between the two presidents, Duda also communicated his support for Armenia amid its conflicted relationship with Azerbaijan. Moreover, the dialogue comes ahead of Poland assuming the role of EU Council presidency for the first half of 2025.
In a press conference, Duda emphasized it would exhaust all efforts within its capacity to execute EU accession.
“If we speak about visa liberalization, this is also directly linked to the decisions that are made by the EU bodies, and Poland will have the opportunity to make decisions there as well,” Duda remarked.
The EU-Armenia Visa Liberalization Dialogue
Armenia’s European integration took a significant step forward as the EU-Armenia visa liberalization dialogue commenced in September 2024. This milestone builds on years of collaboration, including the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed in 2017. Now, with the visa liberalization process underway, Poland has emerged as a staunch supporter of Armenia’s aspirations.
For Armenia, the visa liberalization process is pivotal. It aims to grant Armenian citizens visa-free travel to EU member states, enhancing mobility and economic opportunities.
Since 2014, Armenia has successfully implemented the EU-Armenia Visa Facilitation and Readmission Agreements, simplifying travel and strengthening ties. These agreements laid the groundwork for deeper integration into Europe.
What the support of Poland means
Poland’s backing could prove instrumental in this endeavor. As the upcoming EU Council president, Poland will wield significant influence over the EU agenda.
By advocating for Armenia, Poland can expedite the progress of visa liberalization talks, ensuring momentum remains strong. Moreover, President Duda’s assurances reflect Poland’s strategic interest in fostering stability and cooperation within the region.
However, Armenia must meet rigorous benchmarks to achieve visa liberalization. These include enhancing document security, strengthening border management, and combating corruption.
The EU requires demonstrable reforms in these areas to build trust and ensure readiness for closer integration. Fortunately, Armenia has shown a strong commitment to meeting these standards, signaling its determination to align with EU expectations.
The benefits of visa liberalization are immense. Armenian citizens would enjoy easier access to the EU for tourism, business, and cultural exchange. This increased mobility would bolster economic ties and deepen Armenia’s connection to Europe. Additionally, the reforms required for visa liberalization could strengthen governance and institutions within Armenia, promoting long-term stability.
Support apart from Poland
Poland’s support highlights the importance of solidarity among European nations during transformative processes.
Another nation that has expressed its support for Armenia’s visa liberalization dialogue is France. Previously, French Prime Minister Emmanuel Macron had also assured Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan of France’s support of Armenia’s European Peace Facility. The European Peace Facility (EPF) has directly helped Armenia, providing financial assistance.
Based on statistics, certain EU countries rejected 13.2 percent or 10,531 of Armenian citizens’ visa applications. Meanwhile, the countries with the highest approval rates included Czechia, Germany, and Lithuania.
Other countries that have been urging for visa liberalization include Turkey, Romania, and Bulgaria.
Photo: Freepik
