Von der Leyen plans Armenia visit to show support for pro-EU government

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is scheduled to visit Armenia next week to meet with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. The visit signals strong EU support for Armenia's pro-Western government, particularly following Pashinyan's party's decisive victory in the recent parliamentary elections.

The European Commission has announced a support package of €34 million to help Armenia mitigate the economic impact of Russian trade restrictions. These restrictions, which target Armenian agri-food products, flowers, and other exports, are seen as Moscow's response to Yerevan's cautious pro-EU stance. The EU's assistance aims to support Armenia's private sector and affected industries.

Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos is also expected to join the delegation, emphasizing the EU's commitment to strengthening cooperation with Armenia. Despite the pro-EU trajectory, Prime Minister Pashinyan has described Armenia's EU membership bid as 'theoretical' for now, stating the country will continue to work within the Eurasian Economic Union while defending its own interests.