The issue of visa abolition between Armenia and the European Union could be resolved within the next few years if the country continues to implement reforms at the current pace. European Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner made the corresponding statement in an interview with Armenpress.
He emphasized that visa liberalization is an important component of the partnership between Yerevan and Brussels, as it brings people closer together. He stated that this measure will simplify travel for work and study, as well as tourism, which, in turn, will contribute to deeper cooperation and expanded people-to-people contacts.
"Last November, we presented the Visa Liberalization Action Plan, and since then we have seen steady progress, particularly in the areas of document security and migration management. An important step is the introduction of biometric identification documents, and, as far as I understand, they will be implemented soon. "Reforms are continuing in the asylum sector, as well as in the fight against organized crime and corruption, with the support of EU partners and agencies such as Europol and Frontex," the European Commissioner said.
He also emphasized that "visa liberalization is a criteria-based process," and a final decision is possible only after all requirements set out in the document have been met. The first progress report on reforms will be presented at the Armenia-EU summit in May 2026.
"If this pace of reforms is maintained, visa-free travel will become a realistic prospect in the coming years. This will create new opportunities for Armenian citizens in education, business, tourism, and cultural exchange, and will further strengthen ties between Armenia and the European Union," Brunner concluded.
Currently, Armenia remains the only country with which the EU is pursuing visa liberalization. Earlier, Interior Minister Arpine Sargsyan reported that the implementation of the Action Plan essentially coincides with the reforms already planned in Armenia. One of the key steps will be the implementation of a biometric document system—new passports and ID cards. According to the current schedule, their issuance is scheduled to begin in the second half of 2026.
