As part of the implementation of the Armenia-EU Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement, a working discussion on planned justice sector reforms took place at the National Assembly on April 25, organized at the initiative of Meri Galstyan, Deputy Chair of the Standing Committee on European Integration.

«One of the main functions of the Standing Committee on European Integration is to oversee the implementation of the Armenia-EU Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement, particularly by exercising parliamentary oversight and supporting action plan implementation. In this framework, meetings and discussions are held with sectoral bodies to maintain communication during ongoing processes, support needs assessments, and foster institutional capacity development,» Galstyan stated.

Deputy Minister of Justice Anna Karapetyan, speaking about the progress on the roadmap, noted: «The Ministry has carried out extensive work within the context of the actions and legal harmonization activities outlined in the Armenia-EU Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement roadmap.»

She specifically presented amendments made to the Electoral Code, the Criminal Code, and the Criminal Procedure Code; new regulations developed in the field of anti-discrimination; the formation and adoption process of the Anti-Corruption Strategy; and reforms in the judiciary along with the development of related strategies. She also highlighted ongoing and planned efforts concerning human rights protection, improving conditions in penitentiary institutions, ensuring freedom of information, and safeguarding personal data. Emphasizing the importance of personal data protection, Karapetyan proposed the establishment of a commission that would meet EU standards.

Discussing the challenges encountered during current activities, Karapetyan pointed out issues such as capacity development, access to the EU legal system online, harmonization of legislation, and the timelines for conducting legal reviews. She also stressed the need for proper training under each project framework. Meri Galstyan expressed her gratitude for the detailed presentation of the work accomplished.