The second expert mission under the Armenia–European Union visa liberalization dialogue was received by Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Armen Ghazaryan.

Officials from the Ministries of Internal and Foreign Affairs, experts from EU member states, as well as representatives of the European Commission and EU Delegation participated in the event.

Armen Ghazaryan presented the institutional reforms implemented by the Ministry, highlighting efforts to centralize police functions, introduce a new functional model, enhance civilian oversight, apply new standards for use of force, and other significant targeted reforms.

Discussions also covered the development of a unified crime prevention strategy and the draft of a strategic program for combating drug trafficking.

From April 7 to 11, the EU expert mission will conduct a comprehensive assessment of Armenia’s readiness in areas such as public security, foreign policy, and fundamental rights, aiming to facilitate reforms aligned with European and international standards, and to help establish indicators necessary for visa liberalization.

Vardan Vardanyan, Head of the Criminal Police Department and Deputy Chief of Police, held a separate meeting with the experts. He outlined the development of the department, its priorities, structural features, and tools used in fighting crime.

The discussions addressed various areas of international cooperation and efforts to counter organized crime, trafficking, cybercrime, and the illegal drug trade.

Karen Hakobyan, Head of the Community Policing Department and Deputy Chief of Police, also met with the EU experts. He presented the pillar-based structure, its functions, and the operations of local policing units. He emphasized the relationship between citizens and community officers, responses to domestic violence, crime prevention among minors, and other ongoing initiatives.

Gnel Simonyan, Acting Head of the Internal Security and Anti-Corruption Department, described the unit’s goals and oversight mechanisms. He stressed steps taken to improve personnel discipline and uphold legality, along with the results achieved.

The discussions also covered the implementation of recommendations from the Council of Europe’s Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) and cooperation formats between law enforcement agencies.

Following the meetings, EU experts visited the newly built headquarters of the Patrol Service and Operational Management Center. They praised the Ministry’s reform process, highlighting the importance of efforts to prevent crime and enhance public safety. Additional meetings with other government agencies are planned during the mission.