Euronest PA Session in Yerevan Sets New EU-EaP Priorities

On October 30, the 12th Plenary Session of the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly concluded its work in the National Assembly of Armenia, which for two days had become a crucial platform for shaping the future of relations between the European Union and the Eastern Partnership countries. Following the sessions chaired by Co-Presidents Maria Karapetyan and Sergey Lagodinsky, reports prepared by four committees were adopted, which not only outline the future paths of cooperation but also define new political, economic, and security priorities. Details are provided by the RA National Assembly.

One of the key discussions of the session revolved around the report "The future of the Eastern Partnership and new perspectives for the EU's enlargement policy for peace, security, and stability in the region." In his speech, MEP Oliver Schenk clearly emphasized that the Eastern Partnership must cease to be merely a cooperation format and should be transformed into a full-fledged strategic tool. He stressed the need to deepen cooperation in the fields of security, defense, and energy, while also focusing on civil society, independent media, and democratic movements. "Those who defend European values will receive our support, and those who do not appreciate them will face consequences," Schenk declared. He proposed holding an Eastern Partnership summit in 2027 to develop a new, more ambitious vision for the coming decade.

The topic of economic integration and infrastructure development was presented by Euronest Co-President Maria Karapetyan, focusing on the new European "Global Gateway" strategy. She described it as not only an economic but also a strategic initiative based on the principles of transparency, stability, and equal partnership. In this context, Maria Karapetyan specifically highlighted the "Crossroads of Peace" project put forward by the Armenian government. She presented it as a broad opportunity for unblocking regional infrastructure and developing communications, fully in line with the spirit of "Global Gateway," emphasizing that connectivity must be accompanied by guarantees of good governance, the rule of law, and judicial independence.

In addition to political and economic reports, the assembly also addressed energy security issues. MEP Pierfrancesco Majorino presented a report on an interconnected energy future, aiming to accelerate the development of energy links, prevent political interference, and achieve energy sovereignty. At the same time, a report related to the fields of science and education was also discussed. "We are living in an era of geopolitical pressures, and countries must invest in scientific systems to survive in a rapidly changing environment," Maria Karapetyan noted on this occasion.

At the end of the session, all the discussed reports were adopted by vote. Summarizing the two-day work, the co-presidents assessed the discussions as effective, emphasizing that the debates held in Yerevan were an important step towards the further development and deepening of EU-Eastern Partnership relations.