An event marking the 25th anniversary of Armenia’s accession to the Council of Europe was held at the Organization’s headquarters in Strasbourg, bringing together senior officials and members of the Parliamentary Assembly.
Remarks were delivered by Armenia’s Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and Secretary General of the Council of Europe Alain Berset.
Addressing the audience, Minister Mirzoyan described Armenia’s membership as a transformative journey. “Over the past 25 years, Armenia’s membership has been defined by a transformative journey of political, social, and legal reforms,” he said, underscoring Yerevan’s “unwavering commitment to implementing reforms that harmonies with European standards, while strengthening the pillars of our democracy, the rule of law, and human rights.”
He noted that cooperation with the Council of Europe has played a vital role in Armenia’s democratic transformation, enhancing the country’s resilience amid regional challenges and contributing to “a vision of a peaceful and prosperous future for our country and the wider region.”
To mark the anniversary, Minister Mirzoyan presented Secretary General Berset with a manuscript reproduction of an extract from Datastanagirk (The Book of Judgment), the first Armenian judicial code. Written in the 12th century by philosopher and legislator Mkhitar Gosh, the work is considered a cornerstone of Armenian legal thought.
“Centuries ago, it laid the foundations for our understanding of the rule of law – the very principle that serves as a lifeblood of the Council of Europe and the European Convention on Human Rights,” Mirzoyan said.
He recalled that in April 2025 Datastanagirk was unanimously inscribed in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register, calling it “a testament to its enduring cultural and civilizational significance.” According to the minister, the gift symbolizes the shared values of Armenia and the Council of Europe and reflects Yerevan’s appreciation for the Organization’s contribution to safeguarding the rights and freedoms of Armenian citizens.
As part of the commemorations, Minister Mirzoyan, Secretary General Berset and the President of the Parliamentary Assembly inaugurated a special postage stamp issued by HayPost to mark the 25th anniversary of Armenia’s accession, followed by a ceremonial stamp cancellation.
Concluding his remarks, the Armenian foreign minister called for renewed commitment to the partnership. “As we celebrate 25 years of partnership, let us look ahead with renewed resolve to strengthen our commitments and shape a brighter and more just future for generations to come,” he said.
The event concluded with the formal presentation of Armenia’s gift to the Council of Europe – a manuscript reproduction of the Datastanagirk, the first Armenian code of law.
