The EU Partnership Agreement with Armenia is to be signed during the Eastern Partnership meeting in Brussels this Friday (24 November). Since it is a mixed agreement covering areas within the sphere of responsibility of the EU and others that fall within the competence of EU member states, it must be signed by both the EU and the member states.

The agreement aims to deepen political and economic cooperation between the EU and Armenia. It is also to have a positive impact on the development of trade flows and investment activities.

Shared values

The agreement is based on the common commitment to respect democratic principles and human rights. It is also based on the rule of law and the recognition of the fundamental principles of the free market economy and sustainable development.

Specifically, the agreement is to foster trade and investment, fight terrorism and make a contribution to disarmament.

Fourth agreement with Eastern partner states

Following the Association Agreements with Georgia, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine, the Partnership Agreement is the fourth agreement between the EU and an Eastern partner state. It is also a signal that a country that has close ties with Russia can still cooperate intensively with the European Union.

Once the agreement has been ratified, the Federal Ministry of Justice says the German Bundestag will have to adopt a ratifying law. Parts of the agreement, that do not fall within the national sphere of responsibility of member states can be provisionally applied by the Republic of Armenia following ratification.