The European Commission has announced that it is starting negotiations with Armenia to introduce a visa-free regime. Citizens of Armenia are expected to be granted the right to visa-free travel to the EU when they stay for a period of up to 90 days, cited by BTA.
Commission notes "significant progress" in bilateral relations after the signing of an agreement on comprehensive cooperation with Yerevan in 2017. The visa negotiations will be accompanied by changes in the issuance of personal documents for Armenian citizens, as well as improvements in border management, migration, the fight against corruption and organized crime, and the respect of basic human rights.
Since 2014, the EU has introduced a relaxed visa regime for citizens of Armenia. All EU citizens travel without a visa to Armenia, adds the EC.
Negotiations will continue as long as necessary, without automatic transition to visa-free travel for Armenians. All indicators must be fully met before the EU Council votes on a final decision to waive visas, which will also be confirmed by the European Parliament, the announcement states.
In April this year, the EC presented a plan to improve Armenia's economy worth 270 million euros by 2027.