Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan stressed the role of civil society to bridge the gap between government institutions and the people during his address at the eighth meeting of the Armenia-EU Civil Society Platform in Yerevan today.

The Armenia-EU Civil Society Platform (CSP) is a formal joint body established under Article 366 of the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA). It enables civil society representatives from both sides—including employers, trade unions, and NGOs—to monitor CEPA implementation and submit recommendations to the Partnership Council.

Pashinyan, according to his office, claimed that while great strides have been made in Armenia in terms of democracy and economic development since he came to pwer in 2018, the road has encountered bumps along the way.

Pashinyan acknowledged criticism directed at his government that one of the main agendas of the 2018 regime change, reform in the justice sector, hasn’t met expectations.

He argued that the problem is that there is no common perception regarding the concepts of justice and fairness.

Pashinyan,said justice and fairness in Armenia are largely governed by institutions that are isolated and have no organic connection to the people, and also do not have a sufficient level of accountability and responsibility to the people, who are the highest bearers of power.

Citing this as a fundamental problem, Pashinyan noted that the key goals of cooperation with European structures and several international institutions are to have certain mechanisms to correct the mistakes made.

Speaking about the government's acceptance of ideas voiced by civil society, Pashinyan said all such proposals must be reviewed to ensure the identity, sovereignty, and security of the state.

As to whether Armenia should strive to become a member of the European Union, Pashinyan said that Armenia’s task, goal, and strategy is to be a country that meets the best standards.

“We understand that today we are far from that point, but we know that we have the necessary political will, strategy, and vision on how to move in that direction and how to reach that point,” Pashinyan said․