Members of European Parliament hosted at Yerevan State University

Members of the European Parliament visited Yerevan State University, led by the Head of the delegation, Nils Ušakovs, and the EU Ambassador to Armenia, Vassilis Maragos. They were accompanied by Tigran Balayan, Armenia’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Kingdom of Belgium, and Arman Yeghoyan, Chairman of the Standing Committee on European Integration of the National Assembly of Armenia. The primary objective of the visit was to discuss Armenia’s plans for European Union accession and to foster academic ties between the youth of Armenia and that of EU member states.

During the meeting with the MEPs, YSU Rector Hovhannes Hovhannisyan highlighted the university’s academic and scientific achievements while also outlining its adopted strategy․

Following the discussion with the rector, the MEPs met with YSU academic staff and students. Addressing the delegation, Hovhannes Hovhannisyan stated: "Most of the students present here are from the Faculty of International Relations, who will eventually become ambassadors, diplomats, or work in international organizations. Therefore, this meeting is particularly important for them. The university maintains intensive international cooperation, through which ambassadors frequently visit us and deliver lectures to students."

Nils Ušakovs, the Head of the delegation, described Armenia’s EU accession plans as an excellent idea, stating that this was the reason for their visit, which included seven MEPs from different countries.

In response to questions from students and professors, they presented the path to EU integration, emphasizing that the European Union is an excellent model of democracy.

The delegation also expressed their commitment to strengthening ties between the youth of Armenia and that of EU member states, encouraging Armenian students to pursue educational opportunities in those countries while maintaining strong reciprocal connections.

The EU Ambassador to Armenia, Vassilis Maragos, mentioned that they are constantly implementing various programs for youth and organizing events to develop ways of engaging youth in different processes. One such program is the Young European Ambassadors initiative.

"Furthermore, on March 7, we will launch the Advisory Council on Youth, which is currently a priority for the EU. It is of great importance for European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, as well as for each Commissioner, to hold discussions with youth. Therefore, we are ready to initiate new focus groups and listen to your ideas on the development of our programs and policies," said Vassilis Maragos.

He emphasized that the concerns and issues raised by youth must be taken into account when developing policies in all sectors of the country, including financial, public, and healthcare policies. This will provide them with the opportunity to be involved in public, economic, and social life.

The meeting concluded with a question-and-answer session, featuring active participation from both students and academic staff, and comprehensive responses from the Members of the European Parliament.