Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan Concludes Working Visit to PACE Autumn Session in Strasbourg

Prime Minister Pashinyan Engages with European Leadership

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan concluded a working visit to Strasbourg, France, from September 28 to 30, 2025, where he participated in the autumn session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE). The visit included a series of high-level meetings with prominent European officials, underscoring Armenia's ongoing commitment to democratic values and cooperation with European institutions.

Key Meetings and Discussions

During his time in Strasbourg, Prime Minister Pashinyan held discussions with several significant figures:

• PACE President Theodoros Rousopoulos: Their meeting on September 29 focused on the Armenia–Council of Europe cooperation agenda, emphasizing reforms to strengthen democratic institutions, human rights protection, and the rule of law. Pashinyan reiterated Armenia's commitment to continued effective engagement with Council of Europe bodies.
• Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset: On September 29, Pashinyan met with Secretary General Berset, who praised the active and effective cooperation between the Government of Armenia and the Council of Europe. Berset noted that this collaboration has contributed to advancing institutional reforms in Armenia across various sectors. He also welcomed the initialing of the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace agreement, expressing hope for new development opportunities in the region.
• President of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) Mattias Guyomar: A meeting was also held with the ECHR President on September 29.
• Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Michael O'Flaherty: On September 30, Prime Minister Pashinyan met with Commissioner O'Flaherty to discuss reforms in human rights, strengthening democratic institutions, and prospects for enhanced cooperation. O'Flaherty commended Armenia's dedication to human rights protection and consistent steps taken to strengthen democratic governance.

Address to PACE and Armenia's Stance

Prime Minister Pashinyan was scheduled to deliver an address at the plenary sitting of PACE's fourth session on September 30. In his engagements, Pashinyan highlighted that this visit, occurring six years after his first in 2019, takes place during a 'significant period' for Armenia, which he stated is 'at a turning point in its development' after overcoming difficult challenges. He emphasized Armenia's view of the Council of Europe as a 'strategic partner in democratic development' and underscored the organization's vital role in strengthening democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.

PACE Autumn Session Agenda

The PACE autumn session, running from September 29 to October 3, 2025, featured a diverse agenda. Key topics included debates on the challenges faced by journalists, particularly concerning the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the liberation of Ukrainian journalists held captive by Russia. The session also included the election of a new PACE Secretary General and addresses from other dignitaries, such as the President of Malta, Myriam Spiteri Debono, and the Chairman of the Senate of Kazakhstan, Maulen Ashimbayev.