In 2017, Bright Armenia launched an educational program aimed at advancing and promoting liberal politics, known as the Institute of Liberal Politics (ILP); it is an affiliated member of the European Liberal Forum.[4]
In May 2021, the party confirmed it would participate in the 2021 Armenian parliamentary elections. Following the election, the party gained just 1.2% of the popular vote, losing all political representation in the National Assembly. The party currently acts as an extra-parliamentary force.
Bright Armenia is a liberal, pro-European political party. Edmon Marukyan called for raising relations with the European Union to a strategic partnership level.[6] Party members also advocate for visa-free travel of Armenian citizens to the EU's Schengen Area.[7] The party opposes Armenia's current membership in the Eurasian Union and believes that Armenia should withdraw its membership and begin to negotiate an Association Agreement and Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area with the European Union.[8] Bright Armenia supports Armenia's full membership in the EU and wishes to begin the first steps of accession negotiations without delay.[8]
The party manifesto states, "Armenia should show initiative in pan-European processes and structures, presenting itself as the true bearer of the values of European civilization and democracy."[9]
Despite the party's Pro-European orientation, Bright Armenia also believes in maintaining positive cooperation with Russia and ensuring that the interests of Armenia are not compromised in favor of other countries.[10]
Party council
The party council consists of the following members:[11]
