July 10, 2025 - 12:07 AMT
EU, Armenia explore ways to boost regional connectivity

Armenia and the European Union reaffirmed their strong partnership and outlined prospects for deeper cooperation at the sixth meeting of the Armenia-EU Partnership Committee, held on July 8 in Brussels under the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

Both sides highlighted the significant progress achieved in their partnership, grounded in shared values and mutual commitments. They praised the outcomes of the June 29–30 visit by EU High Representative and European Commission Vice-President Kaja Kallas to Armenia, especially statements made jointly with Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan regarding a new political agreement on the Armenia-EU Partnership Agenda and the European Commission’s adoption of an action plan on visa liberalization. These developments have opened up fresh opportunities for strengthening bilateral ties.

The implementation of the €270 million Resilience and Growth program was also commended. Designed to deepen sectoral cooperation, enhance connectivity, and stimulate business investment, the initiative aligns with both the EU’s Global Gateway strategy and Armenia’s Crossroads of Peace initiative.

Discussions addressed the rule of law, judicial reforms, law enforcement development, human rights protection, and anti-corruption efforts. The EU recognized Armenia’s notable progress on democratic reforms and praised its ongoing commitment. At the same time, the need for continued reforms and further action to eliminate all forms of discrimination was emphasized. The importance of inclusive civil society participation in governance and decision-making was also underscored.

Regional inclusive connectivity promotion, economic diversification, trade expansion, digital and green transformation, and energy security cooperation were among the key topics discussed, alongside strengthening joint efforts on climate action.

In the area of foreign policy, security, and defense, the parties positively assessed the recent agreement on Armenia’s participation in EU crisis management missions. For the first time, Armenia and the EU also held dedicated consultations on security and defense. They explored new avenues for cooperation to counter hybrid and cyber threats, external interference, and disinformation. The vital role of the EU’s civilian mission in promoting peace and stability in the region was reaffirmed.

The Committee also reviewed regional developments and the normalization of Armenia-Azerbaijan relations. The EU welcomed the mutual understanding reached on the text of a peace agreement and urged both sides to sign and ratify it. It reiterated full support for Armenia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the inviolability of internationally recognized borders based on the 1991 Alma-Ata Declaration. The EU also expressed support for Armenia’s efforts to normalize relations with Turkey.

The meeting was co-chaired by Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister Vahan Kostanyan and Odhron Percyuskiene, Deputy Managing Director for Eastern Europe and Russia at the European External Action Service.