Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 September 2017
100. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the European Union continues to support the democratic process in Armenia and other states in the region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40084/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe EU continues to engage with Armenia and five other countries in the Eastern Europe and the Caucasus region (Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine) through the Eastern Partnership Initiative. At the most recent Eastern Partnership Summit in Riga in May 2015, the EU re-affirmed its determination to pursue closer relations with these six countries but also recognised the need for greater differentiation in the EU’s engagement to take into consideration the particular interests and objectives of each partner country. Armenia has expressed a wish to negotiate a more tailored approach to its relations with the EU. Negotiations on a new EU-Armenia Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA) were concluded at the end of February 2017 and preparations for signature are underway. The new comprehensive agreement will provide a stable framework for the further development of bilateral relations. The EU and Armenia have identified a series of Partnership Priorities across four key areas: strengthening institutions and good governance; economic development and market opportunities; connectivity, energy efficiency, environment and climate action; and mobility and people-to-people contacts. The fifth Eastern Partnership Summit will take place in Brussels on 24 November 2017 and will be an opportunity for the EU to reaffirm its strong commitment to the Eastern Partnership initiative.
