World

Armenia’s EU Bid: Mirzoyan Urges Brussels to Prioritize Political Will Over Bureaucracy

Armenia’s FM urges EU to prioritize political will over bureaucracy in its integration, citing mutual benefits.

September 30, 2025, 5:18 PM

Panoramic view of Yerevan, Armenia, with Mount Ararat in the background at sunset

A panoramic view of Yerevan, Armenia, at sunset, with the majestic Mount Ararat visible in the background and the cityscape bathed in warm light. By MDL.

Executive Summary

Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan called for political decisions to override bureaucratic processes regarding Armenia’s potential integration into the European Union.

Mirzoyan emphasized that both Armenia and the EU would significantly benefit from a political commitment to accession, with Armenia continuing internal reforms regardless.

He advocated for a bolder, more political approach to EU enlargement and its wider neighborhood strategy, urging the EU to prioritize political courage over administrative hurdles.

The Story So Far

Armenia is actively pursuing closer integration with the European Union, undertaking internal reforms to strengthen democratic institutions and align with EU standards, and views this as a strategic geopolitical shift that would mutually benefit both parties. Foreign Minister Mirzoyan’s statements reflect Armenia’s call for the EU to prioritize political will over bureaucratic processes in its enlargement strategy, signaling a desire for a more decisive path towards European alignment.

Why This Matters

Armenia’s explicit call for the European Union to prioritize political decisions over bureaucratic processes in its potential accession signifies a significant geopolitical reorientation, suggesting a deeper alignment with the West and a potential shift from its traditional sphere of influence. This stance challenges the EU to adopt a more politically agile enlargement strategy for its wider neighborhood, which could have implications for other aspiring nations and regional power dynamics, while Armenia itself aims to strengthen its democratic institutions and economic standards regardless of the EU’s final decision.

Who Thinks What?

Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan advocates for a bolder, more political approach to Armenia’s potential integration into the European Union, emphasizing that bureaucratic processes should not overshadow political decisions in EU enlargement.

Mirzoyan asserts that both Armenia and the EU stand to gain significantly from a political commitment to accession, highlighting Armenia’s ongoing internal reforms to strengthen democratic institutions and align with European standards.

Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan asserted on September 30, 2025, that bureaucratic processes should not overshadow political decisions concerning Armenia’s potential integration into the European Union. Speaking at the Warsaw Security Forum during a high-level discussion titled “From Lisbon to Yerevan: Envisioning Europe’s Strategy for the Wider Neighborhood,” Mirzoyan emphasized the need for a bolder, more political approach to enlargement, arguing that both Armenia and the EU stand to benefit from a political commitment to accession.

Call for Political Decision-Making

Mirzoyan underscored his belief that political will must guide such significant geopolitical shifts. He stated, “We should not allow bureaucracy to take over the political decisions,” advocating for nations and the EU to make decisions primarily through a political lens.

The Foreign Minister affirmed Armenia’s ongoing commitment to internal reforms. He highlighted efforts to strengthen democratic institutions and raise standards for goods, aiming to facilitate potential integration with the European bloc.

Mutual Benefits of Integration

According to Mirzoyan, the ultimate decision rests with the EU on whether to admit Armenia. He argued that if the EU extends an invitation, both parties would benefit significantly from the deepened ties and shared values.

Even if the EU declines, Mirzoyan noted that Armenia would still reap the rewards of its reinforced political institutions and comprehensive reforms, contributing to the nation’s overall development and resilience.

A Bolder European Strategy

Mirzoyan’s remarks at the Warsaw Security Forum underscore Armenia’s strategic alignment with Europe and its call for the EU to prioritize political courage over administrative hurdles in its engagement with aspiring member states. His statement advocates for a more decisive and less bureaucratic path forward for the EU’s wider neighborhood strategy.