Estonia supports Armenia's path to EU membership

PanARMENIAN.Net - The President of Estonia's Riigikogu, Lauri Hussar, has commended Armenia's ongoing efforts to ensure stability in the region, expressing confidence that the international community has recognized these steps, Armenpress reports.

“It is impressive. When your parliament speaker, Alen Simonyan, told me about Armenia’s clear position on initiating the EU accession process, I was positively surprised and, of course, supported it. Then he invited me to Armenia. I said we must focus on this to attract greater attention. I proposed organizing a visit to Armenia by the speakers of parliaments from the Nordic-Baltic cooperation format to discuss opportunities and the path toward Europe. I am truly glad about the simple steps you’ve already taken toward Europe. I think the EU is a natural part of Europe. Of course, there is much to do. It’s a long process requiring hard work,” he said.

Hussar also emphasized the importance of reforms necessary for EU membership, adding:

“I think, fundamentally, you must be prepared to implement many reforms. In reality, reforms are a positive phenomenon for the whole society because change and shifts in societal direction bring an entirely new atmosphere. Adopting all legislative regulations and embracing such an agenda can be complex. At times, it may be challenging. However, in the end, you no longer remember those difficulties but recall having overcome them for your society, strengthening your country, and improving your people’s standard of living. Ultimately, the results are highly positive,” he stated.

Speaking about Armenia-Azerbaijan relations and the peace process, he added: “I think you’ve already achieved a lot. I genuinely value what Armenia is currently doing to ensure stability in the region. I am confident that the international community has acknowledged this. Support will come not only from individual countries but also from the European Union and other major international organizations. The peace ideology you currently uphold is the most important. Regarding conflicts, you’ve made considerable progress.”

Addressing the issue of Armenian prisoners, Hussar remarked: “In the end, any conflict resolution requires broad consensus on how to move forward. I see that the Armenian side already has the desire to continue developing society and building relationships with neighbors. I think this is the strongest argument for resolving the conflict comprehensively, allowing people to return to their homes soon.”

In response to a question about cooperation between Estonia and Armenia, Hussar mentioned joint efforts toward building a digital society. He also highlighted Estonia's successful experience with digital elections, which continues to be refined.

On January 9, Armenia’s government approved a proposal to begin the EU accession process, presented by the EuroVote civil initiative. The proposal is set to be discussed in Armenia’s parliament.

The European Union will analyze the Armenian government’s approved proposal to start the accession process and discuss the matter with Armenian authorities, said Anita Hipper, EU spokesperson for foreign affairs and security policy.