Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 June 2026
1. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade her Department's position on the accession of Armenia to the European Union following recent national elections; the way in which she will work to advance Armenia's accession during the EU Presidency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46052/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 7 June, the Armenian people exercised their sovereign democratic right to vote in parliamentary elections. The level of civic participation was commendably high and demonstrated Armenia’s strong commitment to democracy, peace, and enhanced cooperation in the region as well as closer ties with the EU.
Ireland welcomes the strengthening relationship between the EU and Armenia.
The EU stands firmly with Armenia and its people and remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting Armenia on its democratic path and to further deepening our partnership.
On 5 May, the EU and Armenia held their first ever summit. The Joint Declaration which was issued following that meeting acknowledged the European aspirations of the Armenian people, rooted in the adoption of the Law on Launching Armenia’s EU accession process of March 2025. The Joint Declaration also states that any decision on EU membership is a matter for the people of Armenia to decide freely and democratically.
Ireland also welcomes the growing EU-Armenia cooperation as outlined in the Joint Declaration, which focusses on connectivity and support for energy, transport and digital infrastructure. The EU-Armenia Connectivity Partnership, which was signed on 5 May in Yerevan, underlines Armenia’s role as a vital partner in the ‘middle corridor’ connectivity project through the South Caucasus. These agreements serve as a building block to further strengthen EU-Armenia relations.
The Treaty on the European Union states that any European country may apply for EU membership if it respects the democratic values of the EU and is committed to promoting them. Ireland believes that all European countries deserve the opportunity to join the EU, once they meet all necessary criteria. All candidate and potential candidate countries are currently required to abide by the accession criteria known as the "Copenhagen criteria" and are required to align with EU standards across all negotiating chapters.
Ireland and Armenia have strong bilateral relations, and we work together in the Council of Europe and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe. In May, the Taoiseach visited Yerevan to attend the eighth European Political Community Summit. We look forward to further engagement and cooperation between the EU and Armenia, including under our EU Presidency.
