Addressing PACE on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of Armenia’s accession to the Council of Europe, Ararat Mirzoyan, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Armenia, reiterated Armenia’s choice for peace and co-operation, spoke about the reforms implemented over the past years, and stressed that today’s common challenges can only be addressed through joint efforts.
“Hybrid attacks against democracies, including the malicious spread of disinformation and the weaponisation of information; foreign interference in domestic democratic processes such as elections; undermining international law and the erosion of the multilateral system – all of these put our values and principles to the test, and it is our shared responsibility to safeguard them in an increasingly complex and fragile international environment,” Mirzoyan said. “Тhe 75-year legacy of the Council of Europe as a standard-setter of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law empowers the Organisation to expand its role in countering global democratic backsliding and contributing to the restoration of trust in the international architecture.”
Speaking about the reforms that Armenia has implemented since its accession to the Council of Europe, the Minister stressed that “each reform, each ratified convention, each institutional development has meant not just a technical change, but a tangible and practical improvement in the lives of ordinary citizens”. He specifically mentioned the right of citizens to appeal to the European Court of Human Rights, the establishment of the Human Rights Defender institution, the Venice Commission’s work to ensure that legislative reforms meet international standards, as well as the important role of the Council of Europe’s Group of States against Corruption and the European Charter of Local Self-Government that empowers local communities.
In his address, Minister Mirzoyan reiterated Armenia’s commitment to lasting peace and stability in the region: “Despite the painful experiences of recent years, including the war and the humanitarian consequences that followed, Armenia has made a clear and deliberate choice for peace, taking strong steps that enabled the South Caucasus to move towards peace and co-operation in the region and beyond.” He emphasised that “respect for human rights and dignity is crucial to restoring trust and reconciliation between societies, turning the page on decades of suffering and paving the way for a peaceful future.”
The Minister underlined Armenia’s firm dedication to the full normalisation of relations with Türkiye, outlined developments in Armenia’s initiative of European integration, and recalled that in May 2026 Armenia will host the 8th Summit of the European Political Community.
