Executive Summary
- Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister Vahan Kostanyan met with French Minister Delegate Benjamin Haddad to discuss deepening Armenia’s European integration and establishing a strategic partnership with France.
- Armenia is advancing a comprehensive reform agenda and legislative steps towards potential accession to the European Union.
- Armenia is preparing to host the European Political Community (EPC) Summit in 2026 and briefed France on its vision for institutionalizing peace in the South Caucasus.
The Story So Far
- Armenia is actively pursuing deeper European integration, including potential accession to the European Union, and is undertaking comprehensive reforms to align with EU standards, which is a primary driver for its engagement with European partners like France. Concurrently, Armenia seeks to establish a strategic partnership with France to solidify bilateral ties and garner support for its efforts to institutionalize peace in the South Caucasus region, especially following recent agreements with Azerbaijan on normalization.
Why This Matters
- Armenia’s deepened engagement with France and its proactive steps toward European integration, including potential EU accession and hosting the 2026 European Political Community Summit, signify a strategic pivot towards the West, aiming to reshape its geopolitical alignment. This shift could reduce its traditional reliance on Russia and elevate its international standing, while also influencing the complex dynamics of peace normalization efforts with Azerbaijan in the South Caucasus.
Who Thinks What?
- Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister Vahan Kostanyan believes Armenia is actively pursuing deeper European integration through ongoing reforms and legislative steps towards EU accession, while also aiming to solidify a strategic partnership with France and institutionalize peace in the South Caucasus.
- French Minister Delegate for European Affairs Benjamin Haddad supports the robust political dialogue with Armenia, commends Armenia’s reform agenda, and is committed to establishing a strategic partnership, viewing the upcoming European Political Community Summit in Armenia as a significant opportunity.
Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister Vahan Kostanyan recently met with French Minister Delegate for European Affairs Benjamin Haddad in France to discuss the deepening of Armenia’s European integration and the establishment of a strategic partnership between the two nations. The discussions highlighted Armenia’s ongoing reform agenda and its legislative steps towards potential accession to the European Union, according to a press release from the Armenian foreign ministry.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties and European Integration
During their meeting, the officials commended the robust political dialogue between Armenia and France, outlining plans for upcoming programs aimed at further solidifying their relationship. A key focus of the discussion was the importance of establishing a strategic partnership, reflecting a mutual commitment to enhanced cooperation.
Kostanyan provided Haddad with an overview of the Armenian government’s actions following the adoption of a law initiating the process of Armenia’s accession to the European Union. He detailed the comprehensive reform agenda currently underway, designed to align Armenia more closely with EU standards and deepen its partnership with the bloc.
European Political Community Summit and Regional Dynamics
The two officials also addressed the organizational aspects of the European Political Community (EPC) Summit, which is slated to be held in Armenia in 2026. This summit is seen as a significant opportunity for Armenia to play a more prominent role in European political discourse and cooperation.
Additionally, Deputy Minister Kostanyan briefed Haddad on the historic agreements reached in Washington on August 8 concerning the normalization process between Armenia and Azerbaijan. He presented Armenia’s vision for the institutionalization of peace in the South Caucasus region, underscoring the country’s commitment to stability. Views were also exchanged on broader international and regional agenda items.
Path Forward
The discussions in France underscore Armenia’s proactive engagement in strengthening its ties with European partners and advancing its European integration aspirations. The focus on strategic partnership with France and preparations for the EPC Summit signal a concerted effort to enhance Armenia’s role within the European political landscape.
