EU Hails Armenia’s Peace Efforts and Advances in Integration Amid Shift in South Caucasus
BRUSSELS – The European Union on Monday commended Armenia’s diplomatic initiatives in the South Caucasus, particularly its efforts to normalize ties with Türkiye and finalize a historic peace agreement with Azerbaijan.
In Brussels, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan met with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa to discuss regional developments and deepen EU-Armenia ties. Von der Leyen described the draft peace treaty with Azerbaijan as “a seismic moment” that could end decades of hostility. “I hope the treaty can be signed as soon as possible,” she stated.
Pashinyan reaffirmed Armenia’s commitment to democratic reforms and EU integration. Costa emphasized the EU’s intent to forge a “deeper and broader partnership” with Armenia, underscoring Brussels’ support for the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and democratic path.
The leaders highlighted progress on visa liberalization and praised newly adopted Armenian legislation launching the country’s European integration process. Infrastructure and economic cooperation were also prioritized, with special emphasis on Black Sea connectivity and Armenia’s “Crossroads of Peace” initiative aimed at opening regional trade routes.
The EU pledged to boost development aid under its Global Gateway strategy, with total investments in Armenia projected to reach €2.5 billion ($2.9 billion). This includes a recently announced €270 million Resilience and Growth Plan, increasing EU funding by 50% to support key reforms.
Security cooperation was also on the agenda, including the launch of EU-Armenia defense consultations, as Brussels plays an expanding role in the region amid diminishing Russian influence.
EU leaders said the meeting marked a significant step forward in bilateral relations, ahead of the upcoming EU-Armenia Partnership Council this autumn. Pashinyan’s visit follows a recent trip by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas to Yerevan, where both sides reaffirmed their shared goal of regional peace and closer cooperation.
