EU and Armenia Agree to Enhance Cooperation on Customs Matters
The European Union (EU) and Armenia have agreed to strengthen their collaboration on customs matters, aiming to deepen economic ties between the two parties.
Enhanced Cooperation
Under the terms of the agreement, Armenian authorities will be able to request assistance from EU Member States in cases where they need information related to activities that may be breaching customs legislation. This can include requests for:
- Access to documents
- Expert witnesses
- Physical presence at investigations
In turn, EU Member States will also be able to seek assistance from Armenia’s customs authorities in similar situations.
Confidentiality and Protection of Information
The agreement ensures that all information shared between the parties is kept confidential and is protected under the relevant laws and regulations of each country. This includes exceptions where assistance may:
- Prejudice sovereignty or public policy
- Interfere with ongoing investigations or proceedings
Expert Witnesses and Expenses
Experts from both sides will be able to appear as witnesses in judicial or administrative proceedings related to customs matters. Additionally, expenses incurred as a result of the cooperation will be waived by both parties.
Key Provisions
- Armenian authorities can request assistance from EU Member States for information related to customs breaches
- EU Member States can seek assistance from Armenia’s customs authorities for similar situations
- Information shared between parties must be kept confidential and protected under relevant laws and regulations
- Exceptions apply where assistance may prejudice sovereignty or public policy, or interfere with ongoing investigations or proceedings
- Experts from both sides can appear as witnesses in judicial or administrative proceedings related to customs matters
- Expenses incurred as a result of cooperation will be waived by both parties
The agreement is seen as an important step forward in deepening economic ties between the EU and Armenia, and is expected to come into force in the near future following ratification by both sides.