On 1 July 2026, the European Union and Armenia held their 15th Human Rights Dialogue in Yerevan, reviewing progress since the previous dialogue in February 2025 and discussing priorities including equality, anti-discrimination, and fundamental freedoms. The meeting was led by Deren Derya, Head of Division in the European External Action Service, and Armenian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Vahan Kostanyan, with representatives from Armenian institutions, the EEAS, and the European Commission.
Both sides welcomed steps taken to advance the EU-Armenia partnership based on shared principles of democracy, human rights, fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law. They exchanged views on recent human rights policy developments and priorities, agreeing to continue cooperation in the context of the Strategic Agenda for the EU-Armenia Partnership and the Visa Liberalisation Action Plan. The EU noted Armenia's adoption in 2025 of a Gender Equality Strategy and Action Plan for 2025-2028, while Armenia briefed the EU on steps toward adopting a comprehensive anti-discrimination law. Both sides underscored the importance of countering domestic and gender-based violence, hate speech, and hate crimes, including against LGBTI persons. Particular attention was given to persons in vulnerable situations, including displaced Karabakh Armenians, with the EU reaffirming continued support for their inclusion. On child rights, the EU welcomed Armenia's 2025 legislative package on child protection. The sides also discussed labour protection, trafficking, and informal employment, and the EU welcomed the adoption of a law on universal health insurance, encouraging further measures for accessibility and community-based services for persons with disabilities.
The dialogue addressed fundamental freedoms, including freedoms of assembly, association, and expression, maintaining open civic space and independent media, and strengthening civil society. The EU enquired about Armenia's efforts to ensure an independent media environment. Human rights in the armed forces were also discussed. The EU encouraged Armenia to improve detention conditions, including addressing overcrowding in penitentiaries and expanding alternatives to pre-trial detention. Regarding the parliamentary elections on 7 June 2026, the sides exchanged on preliminary findings of the OSCE/ODIHR election observation mission and agreed to continue consultations on recommendations once the final report is published. Both sides confirmed commitment to close cooperation on human rights bilaterally and in international multilateral forums. The next dialogue is scheduled for 2027 in Brussels.