Stefan Müller-Altermatt, a member of Switzerland’s National Council, said that hosting the European Political Community summit and the first Armenia-European Union summit in Yerevan is of historic significance and reflects Armenia’s progress toward European integration.

Speaking in an interview with Armenpress, Müller-Altermatt noted that the upcoming summits, scheduled to take place in May in Yerevan, demonstrate Armenia’s growing engagement with European partners and its commitment to deepening ties with the European Union.

– What political message does the holding of the European Political Community Summit in Yerevan carry?

-When the European political community – which Russia so clearly shuns – discusses security and cooperation in Armenia, this sends a clear signal: Armenia is slipping out of Russia’s sphere of influence and, rather than being punished for it, is being rewarded – namely, with greater recognition in Europe.    

– How do you assess the historical significance of the first Armenia-EU Summit?

-The summit is of enormous historical significance. It demonstrates that Armenia is to be integrated into Europe on an equal footing. Even though, naturally, EU accession remains a distant prospect despite this summit, it can nevertheless now be discussed about integration without membership.

-Can we say that this is a new stage on Armenia’s path to European integration?

-You could certainly put it that way. But people in Armenia aren’t naive, and unfortunately they’ve been let down by Europe far too often. A summit alone doesn’t make a partnership – just making speeches at a summit doesn’t help Armenia. What’s needed isn’t just words, but action on the part of the EU.

-What are the main areas where Armenia and the EU can deepen cooperation in the near future?

-The areas of energy, transport and infrastructure offer the greatest potential for both sides. If Armenia can reduce its dependence on Russia by expanding renewable energy, modernising its electricity grid and connecting to regional electricity markets, thereby becoming part of the European energy area, this would also represent an enormous strategic gain for the EU. The same applies, of course, to the transport sector: logistics corridors between Europe and Central Asia via Armenia benefit both Europe and Armenia.

That said, most people in Armenia would probably be delighted if visa facilitation measures were introduced quickly. Unfortunately, this is becoming an increasingly politically sensitive issue within the EU – immigration is sparking ever more debate.

– How can this summit affect the security situation in the South Caucasus?

-We must be honest with ourselves: the EU has neither the military capability nor the will to act as an effective guarantor of security in the South Caucasus. Civilian missions and assistance with crisis prevention are, unfortunately, the most that can be expected from the EU in this regard. Regrettably, the EU remained silent during the ethnic cleansing in Nagorno-Karabakh, thereby undermining international law. As a non-military power, it would have had the opportunity to take a strong stance as a champion of international law. However, the EU has enormous energy interests in Azerbaijan. That is why it has remained silent on the violations of international law. The people of Karabakh are the ones suffering as a result. One could also say: in fact, the EU has a lot of making up to do with regard to Armenia and, above all, Karabakh. When it comes to security, it cannot do so – so it should focus on other areas instead.

-What new economic opportunities can open up for Armenia after this summit?

-In the long term, economic development must, of course, form the core of negotiations with the EU. There is a need for trade facilitation and the integration of Armenian companies into supply chains. If partnership agreements can achieve precisely this, then Armenia stands to gain a great deal economically. And if the Russian economy also recovers in the future, Armenia will have excellent prospects as a trading partner in both economic areas.

-Can Armenia become an important transit or energy partner for the EU?

-Here, too, we must be honest and admit that the geographical circumstances suggest that Armenia is unlikely to be of significant importance to the EU in the energy or transit sectors. Armenia has no direct oil or gas export capacity, and energy exports to the EU are severely limited by geographical and geopolitical factors. Armenia can be an innovation partner for the EU, but not a primary energy supplier. Armenia should seek to build on this position as an innovation partner.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said on Thursday that the resolution of several outstanding issues in the judiciary is impossible without the adoption of a new constitution.

“I believe that a significant part of the problems in the judicial sector cannot be resolved without adopting a new Constitution,” he said in parliament during debates on the government’s 2025 report on its five-year action plan. “Because this state of inertia and [stagnation] will continue indefinitely. Constitutional regulations are needed so that we can set aside those very artificial constraints and confront the situation in the judicial system,” Pashinyan said.

The Pashinyan administration has initiated constitutional amendments, with work ongoing to develop a draft for a referendum.

Speaking in parliament earlier on Wednesday, Pashinyan again called for the adoption of a new constitution, saying that the judiciary and justice systems do not have an “organic connection” with the people.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said that citizens in Armenia feel a greater sense of peace than the government had expected, linking this perception to stability in the country and improvements in social and economic conditions.

“Citizens primarily feel peace on a psychological and emotional level, because there is calm in the country. The tension, strain, and intensity that we used to feel have now been replaced by a sense of tranquility, and I believe people also intuitively understand that the health insurance system, pension increases, and other measures are not directly, but indirectly, linked to peace,” the prime minister said in parliament during the debates on his administration’s 2025 report.

Pashinyan emphasized that if there were no confidence in peace and the government were expecting new escalations, it would not allocate such substantial resources to social sectors.

“Peace has created the conditions for economic growth. Citizens feel peace more strongly than we even expected,” Pashinyan said.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on Thursday visited the Ministry of Internal Affairs to congratulate the country’s police force on its 108th anniversary of founding.

In his remarks, Pashinyan described the police as a key actor in the country’s internal security and the backbone of the state.

He noted that the Police of the Republic of Armenia have gone through various stages of formation and development, and that they must always remain strong, as this serves the interests of all citizens.

“There are issues related to internal security in the Republic of Armenia, but it is clear and beyond doubt that, apart from isolated cases, we have not had internal security crises since 2018, and this is a very important observation,” Pashinyan said.

The Prime Minister added that at every stage the police have reached a certain level of development, but each period has its own characteristics and requirements.

“What we are doing well today cannot be considered sufficient tomorrow or the day after, because times and challenges are changing. It is very important that we have a dynamically changing and dynamically developing police force, and through our reforms we are moving in that direction,” he said, stressing that reforms must be part of daily work.

“It is very important that we develop the system in such a way that everyone working in a given area feels that they are the leader of their own responsibility. Police work should provide social guarantees, because it is very difficult and is connected to the lives and safety of both police officers and others, and we must take these factors into account,” he added.

According to Pashinyan, it is very positive that there is 61% public trust in the activities of the police in Armenia, which he described as a high level of public confidence.

“In the 21st century, the police must be dynamic and flexible; no system that is not dynamic and not flexible stands a chance,” the Prime Minister added.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said the country’s police reform programme has delivered results once considered unrealistic, highlighting major upgrades in patrol services and technical capacity.

Speaking at a ceremonial session marking the 108th anniversary of Armenia’s police, Pashinyan said the transformation of the patrol service, including modern equipment, vehicles and operational systems had once seemed unrealistic.

“When we launched police reforms, it seemed almost impossible to imagine a fully equipped patrol service with modern technology, vehicles and structured development across key areas,” he said.

“At the time, it felt distant and unlikely. Today, that has become a reality, and we must now focus on further development,” he added.

Pashinyan stressed that reform of the police system must remain an ongoing and continuous process, requiring consistent, day-to-day effort.

Armenian Speaker of Parliament Alen Simonyan and his delegation are participating in the 152nd Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly in Istanbul, Türkiye.

Simonyan held brief talks with a number of his counterparts from around the world.

In particular, photos released by the parliament’s press service show Simonyan talking with his Russian and Azerbaijani counterparts, Valentina Matviyenko and Sahiba Gafarova, respectively.

Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia Alen Simonyan, who is in Istanbul on a working visit, delivered a speech at the 152nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU). 

The full speech is presented below:

”Madam President,

Mr. Secretary General,

Excellencies,

Fellow parliamentarians,

Ladies and gentlemen,

It is an honour to accept the gracious invitation of Türkiye and address the 152nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) on behalf of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia. As we discuss the theme, Nurturing Hope, Securing Peace, and Ensuring Justice for Future Generations, I would like to observe that the importance of this topic cannot be overstated. Let me say an obvious truth: a flourishing present and future are built on a foundation of hope, peace, and justice.

For Armenia, this notion informs our policies and impels our actions. We strive for a future in which everyone shares the same opportunities for social and economic prosperity.

But who can only dream about a better future, and who can actually create it? Future generations cannot construct the world they will inherit. At best, they can only entrust us to act prudently on their behalf.

Hope sustains our passion for justice and our capacity to trust. Our actions today must serve to build that trust. The coming generations need to believe that the peace we build today will endure.

Make no mistake. The fractures in our world are deep and severe. We are profoundly troubled by the situation in Iran, and my prayers go out to the Iranian people. The crisis in Lebanon cannot be ignored. To be sure, the test we face is formidable. Yet, who but us has the power – and the moral obligation – to heal our world?

Armenia fully accepts its responsibility.

Following the 2025 agreement signed by the leaders of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and the US, peace has prevailed in our region, marking a truly monumental achievement. But our vision is grander. We invite Türkiye to be a partner and join us in weaving a tapestry of peace. To this end, we are eager to deepen our relationship with Türkiye.

After decades of suspicion and ill will, a new era of confidence-building between Armenia and Azerbaijan has dawned. Efforts to consolidate this progress are now focused on strengthening communication and ensuring that peace is effectively translated into concrete realities on the ground.

The recent implementation of the framework for the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) represents another milestone. This initiative aims to both create regional connectivity and expand international trade routes.

Based on the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and jurisdiction, the TRIPP has the potential to promote stability, economic cooperation, and prosperity across the South Caucasus and beyond.

Encouraging signs of normalization are unmistakable. For the first time in years, trade between Armenia and Azerbaijan is beginning to emerge. The recent import of Azerbaijani goods into Armenia marks a symbolic and practical step toward rebuilding economic ties. These are the dividends of peace – tangible improvements that directly benefit our people.

At the same time, serious humanitarian issues remain and must be resolved.To continue building trust and achieve genuine reconciliation, the 19 Armenians still detained in Azerbaijan should be released and reunited with their families, and the fate of other missing persons should be clarified.

Colleagues,

Now is the time to set priorities, and, for the sake of posterity, we must choose them wisely. Who, let us not forget, are the succeeding generations? They are our children and grandchildren. It is our solemn duty to be worthy of them by leaving a legacy not of war but of peace.”

Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan spoke by phone on Thursday with his Romanian counterpart, Oana-Silvia Țoiu.

According to a readout from the Armenian ministry, the two FMs discussed initiatives aimed at deepening the Armenia–EU partnership, emphasizing mutual readiness to advance cooperation in sectoral areas.

They also addressed participation in high-level events scheduled to take place in Yerevan in early May.

The sides underscored the importance of ongoing efforts to further enrich the bilateral agenda. Ararat Mirzoyan and Oana-Silvia Țoiu exchanged views on regional developments. The ministers highlighted their interest in the implementation of economic and transport connectivity projects, as well as the potential benefits they could bring.

Minister of Internal Affairs Arpine Sargsyan highlighted that Armenia is currently the only country with which the EU is engaged in a visa liberalization dialogue.

Speaking in parliament, Sargsyan ruled out the possibility that eventual visa liberalization could lead to emigration, crediting peace and reforms.

“Armenia is the only country with which the European Union is currently conducting an active visa liberalization dialogue. Armenia is also the only country that, within a record period after the launch of the dialogue, has received an action plan. I must note that this plan also covers areas that are already on the Government’s reform agenda. This includes migration, asylum issues, public security, human rights, integrated border management, and the fight against organized crime, among others. The Ministry of Internal Affairs has a coordinating role, and I must note that the first assessment report will be available in May, and I am confident that we will jointly achieve positive results,” the minister said.

According to the minister, a constant question arises in this context as to whether there is concern that visa liberalization could lead to a risk of emigration to European Union countries.

“I want to state with confidence that Armenia has no such concern, because it is precisely as a result of peace established in Armenia, as well as sectoral reforms, that emigration has turned into return migration. Under the careful maintenance of these conditions, return migration trends will, without a doubt, continue to increase,” said Arpine Sargsyan.

In 2025, for the first time in decades, more citizens entered the Republic of Armenia than left, highlighting a reversal in migration trends.

Armenian Minister of Internal Affairs Arpine Sargsyan told lawmakers on Thursday that the development of the biometric passport system in Armenia is in full swing and that the rollout is expected in the autumn of this year.

“We are planning breakthrough development solutions here, because the entire passport system has long been quite outdated, and the level of personal data protection is also rather low. These solutions should allow us to guarantee a completely new biometric system in the Republic of Armenia by the autumn of 2026,” the minister said in parliament.

She also noted that work on the overall design and security features of the passport is in its final stage. “I hope that in the coming days we will be able to present the passport design to the public,” the minister said.