The Standing Committee on European Integration of Armenia’s National Assembly is actively discussing the draft law titled "On Initiating the Process of Armenia’s Accession to the European Union." The bill was developed as part of a civil initiative.

Artak Zeynalyan, the bill’s primary rapporteur and authorized representative of the initiative group, stated that the draft was created using constitutional provisions. He noted that a 52-member initiative group, certified by a notary, successfully collected 60,000 signatures within the legally mandated timeframe. These signatures, verified by Armenia’s Central Electoral Commission, reflect public support for the proposal, Armenpress reports.

Zeynalyan remarked, “By expressing the people’s will, Armenia has set the goal of becoming a secure, safe, and prosperous state, declaring the launch of the EU membership process.”

According to him, the bill has gained legislative initiative status after gathering signatures from a quarter of Armenia’s communities in half the time allocated by law.

Presenting the rationale, Zeynalyan emphasized that the bill affirms the determination of the Armenian people and authorities to join the developed and civilized family of nations. He added, “The law declares the initiation of Armenia’s EU membership process, enhancing Armenia’s resilience and shaping the direction of government policy.”

The rapporteur further highlighted that membership would modernize Armenia’s armed forces to meet EU standards, advance human rights, and implement economic reforms. He stated that cooperation with the West and the EU could dismantle existing monopolies, diversify the economy, and boost productivity.

Zeynalyan argued that EU membership would also provide access to innovative technologies, expand investment programs, improve logistical connectivity, open new export opportunities for Armenian products, and strengthen internal solidarity.

On January 9, Armenia’s government approved the draft law on launching the process of Armenia’s EU accession.