The European Commission has pushed back against predictions that Armenia could secure visa-free travel to the European Union by 2029, saying it is too early to set a specific date for visa liberalization.

European Commission spokesperson Paula Pinho made the comments during a briefing in Brussels, according to Sputnik Armenia.

Asked about forecasts that visa liberalization between Armenia and the EU could be achieved in 2029, Pinho said such a precise timeline was premature.

“Isn’t it too early to predict whether 2029 or another date will be the moment of visa liberalization? I would say that it is, but it is still too early for such precision,” Pinho said.

Her remarks indicate that while the EU continues to engage with Armenia on visa-related reforms, no specific year has been confirmed for the introduction of visa-free travel.

The Armenian government has nevertheless established an ambitious target.

Its 2026-2031 government program includes the goal of achieving a fully visa-free regime with the EU by 2029.

For Armenian citizens, visa liberalization would potentially make short-term travel to EU countries significantly easier, removing the need to obtain a Schengen visa for eligible trips.

The EU's latest comments suggest that Armenia's 2029 target should be viewed as a government objective rather than a guaranteed deadline.

Further progress will depend on Armenia meeting the requirements of the EU's visa liberalization process and on subsequent decisions by European institutions and member states.