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 cooperation on equality, anti-discrimination, and fundamental freedoms. The EU delegation was led by Deren Derya, Head of Division in the European External Action Service, and the Armenian delegation by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Vahan Kostanyan. The dialogue covered a wide range of human rights issues, including gender equality, child protection, labour rights, and the situation of displaced Karabakh Armenians.
The EU welcomed Armenia's adoption in 2025 of the Gender Equality Strategy and Action Plan for 2025-2028, as well as a legislative package on child protection. The Armenian side briefed on steps toward a comprehensive anti-discrimination law. Both sides underscored the importance of combating domestic and gender-based violence, hate speech, and hate crimes, including against LGBTI persons. The EU reaffirmed its support for the inclusion of displaced Karabakh Armenians and encouraged further measures for persons with disabilities, including accessibility and community-based services.
On fundamental freedoms, the EU and Armenia discussed the importance of maintaining an open civic space, free and independent media, and a strong civil society. The EU enquired about Armenia's efforts to ensure an independent media environment. The two sides also addressed human rights in the armed forces, detention conditions, and overcrowding in penitentiaries. Regarding the 7 June parliamentary elections, they exchanged on preliminary findings of the OSCE/ODIHR election observation mission and agreed to continue consultations on implementing recommendations once the final report is published.
Both sides confirmed their commitment to close cooperation on human rights bilaterally and in international multilateral fora. The next EU-Armenia Human Rights Dialogue is scheduled to take place in Brussels in 2027.