Civilnet
By Alexander Pracht
The Armenian government on Thursday approved a new procedure for developing and adopting urban planning technical regulations in line with international standards, aiming to bring national construction norms closer to those used in the European Union.
According to Yeghiazar Vardanyan, head of the Urban Development Committee, the adopted framework defines strategic directions for drafting, localizing, updating, and approving technical documents. It also introduces mechanisms to harmonize these with EU norms, either partially or fully, while ensuring compatibility with Armenia’s existing regulations.
He also explained that for the time being, new regulations would be optional.
“Certain EU standards may be used voluntarily by developers in Armenia,” Vardanyan said. “However, once an investor or project initiator chooses to apply EU norms, those standards become mandatory for that specific project across all phases of planning, construction, and operation.”
Vardanyan added that adapting EU regulations will help create a more transparent, accessible, and investor-friendly environment for foreign developers and construction firms, potentially boosting investment and activity in the sector.
“As a result, alongside increased investment, Armenia will see the development of infrastructure and buildings that meet international standards,” he said.
These efforts, along with many others aimed at aligning Armenia’s regulations with those of the EU, are part of the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA), signed in March 2021 and ratified by all EU member states. The agreement provides a broad framework for cooperation and includes the EU’s standard political clauses on democracy, justice, and human rights. It also covers areas such as environmental protection, education, media freedom, and counter-terrorism, among many others.
On top of this, the Armenian parliament adopted legislation declaring the country’s intent to join the European Union in February. Since then, multiple senior officials have clarified that this does not constitute a formal application for EU membership, but rather serves as a political declaration of intent.
The move signals Yerevan’s ambition to strengthen ties with Europe, including through progress on visa liberalization and the gradual alignment of national standards and regulations, many of which still follow Soviet and post-Soviet models, with those of the EU. Officials have acknowledged that actual accession remains a long-term goal that could take decades to achieve. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has stated that if Armenia were to formally apply for EU membership, it would require a nationwide referendum.
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