Armenia's potential EU membership application not on expansion agenda

Armenia's potential application to join the European Union is not included on the expansion discussion agenda that European Council President António Costa will hold with European leaders ahead of strategic debates in October, Report informs, citing an official from the European Council.

"At the moment, Armenia is not a candidate, so this is currently not included in our planning," the official told reporters while outlining Costa's plans for a tour of the capitals of 27 European countries starting August 25.

He added that Costa intends to discuss comprehensive preparations for the October expansion debates at the European Council meeting in detail during his visits to EU capitals.

However, according to the official, there is currently no information as to when Yerevan might submit a membership application.

Armenia approved a law in March to initiate the EU accession process; however, to officially receive candidate status, the country must submit an application, after which its consideration proceeds according to established European Union procedures.