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 exchanging views on a broad range of human rights issues, including equality, fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law. 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.
The dialogue covered progress on gender equality, with the EU noting Armenia's adoption of a Gender Equality Strategy and Action Plan for 2025-2028. Armenia briefed the EU on steps toward a comprehensive anti-discrimination law. Both sides stressed the need to combat domestic and gender-based violence, hate speech, and hate crimes, including against LGBTI persons. Special attention was given to vulnerable groups, particularly displaced Karabakh Armenians, with the EU reaffirming support for their inclusion. On child rights, the EU welcomed Armenia's 2025 legislative package on child protection. Discussions also touched on labour protection, trafficking, and informal employment. The EU welcomed the law on universal health insurance and encouraged further measures for persons with disabilities.
Fundamental freedoms were a key topic, including freedoms of assembly, association, and expression, as well as the need for an open civic space and independent media. The EU inquired about Armenia's efforts to ensure media independence. Human rights in the armed forces were discussed, and the EU encouraged Armenia to improve detention conditions, address overcrowding in penitentiaries, and expand alternatives to pre-trial detention. Regarding the 7 June parliamentary elections, the EU and Armenia exchanged views on preliminary findings from the OSCE/ODIHR election observation mission, identifying areas for improvement, 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 forums. The next EU-Armenia Human Rights Dialogue is scheduled for 2027 in Brussels.