Armenian-European advocacy strengthens united front on Artsakh and Armenia’s challenges

(Horizon Weekly) – Representatives of more than twenty Armenian National Committees from across Europe convened in Almelo, the Netherlands, on November 29–30 for their biennial gathering, hosted by the European Armenian Federation for Justice and Democracy (EAFJD). According to a release from the ANC-International Office, the meeting served as both a review of ongoing initiatives and a reaffirmation of collective responsibility toward key national issues.

Delegates discussed priorities ranging from the urgent need to free Armenian hostages in Baku to securing the rights and safety of Artsakh Armenians displaced by ethnic cleansing. Protecting Artsakh’s endangered cultural heritage remained a central concern, as did expanding youth participation in advocacy work across European communities.

In his remarks, ANC-International President Hagop Der Khatchadourian underscored the strategic value of Europe within the global Armenian Cause framework. He stressed that both the Brussels office and national committees require stronger backing to advance priorities such as safeguarding Armenian statehood, defending Artsakh’s rights, advancing justice for the Armenian Genocide, and fostering youth engagement.

The conference further examined ways to strengthen outreach to non Armenian media, highlighting the need for clearer, more consistent communication of Armenia’s realities to European audiences, especially regarding the plight of Artsakh Armenians and challenges facing the Armenian Church.

Closing the sessions, Kaspar Karampetian, chair of the EAFJD, thanked attendees for their dedication. He noted that the Armenian nation faces one of the most precarious moments in its modern history, but emphasized that the collaborative spirit shown in Almelo demonstrates a shared determination to meet these challenges. He cited recent progress in advocating for the right of return of Artsakh Armenians and pursuing the release of Armenian hostages illegally held in Baku as concrete outcomes of coordinated European efforts.