Von der Leyen and Costa: ‘Armenia is on the right track toward European integration’

Brussels – Today (14 July), European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa met with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to reaffirm and advance the growing cooperation between the European Union and Armenia.

During the meeting in Brussels, the leaders welcomed the recent political agreement on the text of the New EU-Armenia Partnership Agenda, a milestone in their shared commitment to deepen ties. They also noted “with satisfaction” the progress in the visa liberalization process and Armenia’s recent law on the launch of the European integration process, Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa announced.

 In addition, the EU reiterated its strong commitment to supporting Armenia’s resilience and long-term development. Under the Global Gateway strategy, EU investments in Armenia are expected to reach EUR 2.5 billion, fostering inclusive growth and connectivity. The EUR 270 million Resilience and Growth Plan, announced in April 2024, boosted EU funding to Armenia by 50 percent. With EUR 200 million in grant assistance and EUR 70 million in grant funding to leverage investments, Brussels continues to support Armenia’s socio-economic reform agenda, closer sectoral cooperation, and investments in the energy, transport, and private sectors.

 In this context, the EU reiterated its support for Armenia’s Crossroads of Peace initiative to promote regional connectivity and reconciliation. Von der Leyen and Costa also acknowledged Armenia’s “ongoing efforts to promote stability in the South Caucasus,” particularly through continued engagement in peace talks with Azerbaijan and steps towards the normalization of relations with Turkey. The leaders also underlined the importance of the possibility to include Armenia in the European Union’s regional and economic initiatives, particularly in the framework of the Black Sea Strategy. 

On this issue, von der Leyen stated that “The draft peace treaty with Azerbaijan is a seismic moment. It brings decades of hostility to a close. I hope the treaty can be signed as soon as possible. Rest assured, Europe will continue to help you on your journey.”

The discussions on security were equally important. The leaders welcomed the start of EU-Armenia consultations on security and defense. Among them were foreign information manipulation and interference, disinformation, and cyber threats. The EU proposed to work with Armenia to assess its needs, identify priority areas for cooperation, and leverage available EU instruments. To support Armenia’s information ecosystem, the EU announced a new allocation of a EUR 1.5 million envelope to strengthen independent media.

 Finally, the leaders concluded that today’s meeting “represents an important step in EU-Armenia relations and called for continued progress at the next EU-Armenia Partnership Council” this autumn.”