Armenia Adopts EU Construction Standards to Build a Healthier Future

Armenia is taking new steps to improve public health and safety by aligning its construction rules with the standards used in the European Union. This effort, recently approved by the Armenian government, focuses on bringing healthier, more sustainable, and safer building practices into homes, schools, hospitals, and cities across the country.

For many years, construction in Armenia has followed outdated rules that date back to Soviet times. These older systems often failed to meet modern health and safety standards. Buildings might have lacked proper ventilation, used materials that harmed indoor air quality, or been difficult to access for people with disabilities. Now, that is beginning to change.

The government’s new policy introduces a clear path for adopting urban planning and technical regulations based on international, especially European, standards. While these rules are not mandatory yet, developers now have the option to use EU building norms. If they choose to do so, they must follow those standards completely throughout the entire project—from planning to final inspection.

The head of Armenia’s Urban Development Committee, Yeghiazar Vardanyan, said this change will help make construction more open and reliable. It also allows foreign investors and international companies to feel more confident when working in Armenia, knowing they can follow familiar European rules.

By following EU standards, Armenian buildings can become healthier spaces for everyone. These updated norms include requirements for clean indoor air, proper heating and cooling systems, better insulation, and modern plumbing. All of these elements help reduce illness, allergies, and environmental pollution. Stronger safety codes will also reduce the risk of injuries, fires, and earthquakes—especially important in a country like Armenia, which is located in a seismic zone.

In the long term, this policy is not just about construction. It’s part of a much bigger shift in Armenia’s relationship with the European Union. Since signing the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the EU in 2021, Armenia has worked to improve its systems in many areas—from health and education to environmental protection and justice.

Earlier this year, the Armenian parliament even passed a law declaring the country’s intention to eventually join the EU. While this is not a formal application for membership, it shows that Armenia wants to move closer to Europe and adopt its values and standards. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has said that if the country ever applies for EU membership, it will be decided through a public vote.

Today, the focus is on laying the foundation—literally and legally—for a healthier, more modern Armenia. The buildings constructed under these new rules won’t just be made of stronger materials. They will represent a stronger vision: one that puts public health, safety, and well-being at the heart of development. By moving in this direction, Armenia is not only upgrading its infrastructure but also protecting the health of its people—one building at a time.

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