In a move designed to pull Armenia deeper into the European fold, European Commission President Jose Barroso touted the goal of a simplified visa regime between Armenia and the European Union during his visit to Yerevan last week.

"Our long-term goal is clear and we will work for it -- we want visa-free travel," the EU leader declared, adding that a visa facilitation agreement could be signed as early as December 17.

Under the reforms, lower visa fees for all Armenian citizens would be implemented and waivers would be issued in certain categories, such as family members and pensioners.

Barroso noted that a readmission agreement between Armenia and the EU would soon follow.

Basically, both sides would be obligated to readmit their national who are found to be in “Irregular situations” on the territory of the other party.

In simple parlance, Armenia would be obliged to take back its nationals found to have illegally entered the EU.

While in Yerevan, Barroso also expressed confidence that an economic association agreement, including a "deep and comprehensive free trade" deal, would be ironed out with Armenia in time for the European Union's November 2013 Eastern Partnership Summit in Vilnius.