On Thursday, December 1, the European Council adopted a mandate to allow the Commission to start negotiations on a comprehensive air transport agreement with Armenia, the Council said in a statement.

Comprehensive EU-level aviation agreements aim to increase Europe's international connectivity, ensure a high-quality service and more choice for the passengers, and boost the international competitiveness of the EU's aviation industry.

The agreement with Armenia will take the form of a Common Aviation Area Agreement, since Armenia is one of the countries with which the EU is creating closer ties under its neighbourhood policy.

"Nowadays, we can hardly imagine travel without aviation. Aviation agreements are great means to enable Europe to tap into the growth markets elsewhere and to connect the EU directly to other regions. I warmly welcome the Council´s green light today to open negotiations with Armenia. Once negotiated, the agreement will promote a vibrant exchange of travellers, lower prices and ensure new business opportunities for our companies. It will be a great example of cooperation between the EU and Armenia in the context of the Eastern Partnership," Arpád Érsek, Slovak Minister for Transport, Construction and Regional Development and Chair of the Council said.

The Commission said it will carry out negotiations on behalf of the EU and its member states.