Key facts
- The EU will provide €200 million in grants for South Caucasus connectivity.
- An additional €18 million in economic support and liberalized export rules were pledged for Armenia.
- The EU's Autonomous Trade Measures will remove tariffs on approximately 80% of Armenian exports to the EU.
- The EU plans to mobilize up to €2 billion for strategic transport, energy, and digital projects in the South Caucasus.
- The EU announced €20 million for a peace-fostering program in the region.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced significant EU support for Armenia during a visit to Yerevan, aiming to bolster the country's economy and strategic partnership with Europe amidst growing Russian pressure. The EU pledged €200 million in grants for South Caucasus connectivity and an additional €18 million for Armenia, alongside liberalizing nearly 80% of Armenian exports to the EU market through new Autonomous Trade Measures.
Von der Leyen highlighted Armenia's "closer partnership with Europe" and its choice of democracy, reform, and peace. She stated that the EU "steps up" when partners face pressure, referencing Russia's "economic coercion" against Armenia. The new trade measures are designed to bypass Russian restrictions and open the EU's single market to a vast majority of Armenian products, including fresh produce and beverages.
The EU's broader engagement in the South Caucasus includes a pledge to mobilize up to €2 billion for strategic transport, energy, and digital projects under the Global Gateway package. This initiative aims to leverage the region's role in the Middle Corridor, a key transit route between Asia and Europe. Additionally, €20 million was allocated for a peace-fostering program to support local economies and improve daily lives along border communities.
Discussions also covered future cooperation, with Armenia aiming for visa liberalization with the EU by 2029. EU experts will assist Armenia in diversifying its energy imports, a sector where it currently relies heavily on Russia. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan reiterated Armenia's commitment to its national interests while maintaining relations with Russia, emphasizing that no partner's interests would be placed above Armenia's.