Key facts
- The EU will provide up to €200 million in grant funding to boost connectivity in the South Caucasus.
- The funding aims to support transport, energy, and digital links.
- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the initiative during a visit to Baku.
- The package is intended to support peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia.
- An additional €20 million will be allocated to programs supporting local communities in both countries.
The European Union is set to provide up to €200 million in grant funding to enhance transport, energy, and digital connections across the South Caucasus region. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the initiative during a visit to Baku, Azerbaijan, on Wednesday.
Von der Leyen stated that the "Peace through Connectivity Package" is designed to foster peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan by strengthening regional ties and offering targeted assistance to local communities. She met with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos during her visit.
The initiative comes after a period of conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh. The EU's funding aims to translate peace agreements into practical improvements on the ground.
In addition to the main connectivity package, a further €20 million will be dedicated to programs supporting local communities in both Armenia and Azerbaijan. These programs will focus on areas such as healthcare, demining efforts, skills development, and local business investment.