The EU–Armenia summit has concluded on a positive note, highlighting the strengthening ties between the European Union and Armenia, although the EU has remained non-committal regarding Armenia’s bid for EU membership so far. In March this year, the Armenian parliament approved a resolution expressing its intention to pursue EU membership, signalling the country’s long-term strategic direction.
However, ties between the EU and Armenia are growing significantly, and both sides have signed the EU–Armenia Connectivity Partnership, which will enhance cooperation in key sectors such as transport, energy, digital infrastructure and people-to-people contacts. The initiative is also expected to mobilise private EU investment, boost trade, create jobs, and strengthen regional stability and resilience.
The partnership aligns with broader EU efforts under its connectivity and infrastructure strategies and is part of a wider package of engagement that could see up to €2.5 billion in investments in Armenia, alongside ongoing economic and reform support programmes.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen applauded Armenia for its 2018 Velvet Revolution, noting that the country has demonstrated a strong commitment to democracy and the rule of law. EU leaders also reaffirmed their support for Armenia’s reform agenda, sovereignty and resilience as it continues to move closer to European standards.
European Council President António Costa thanked Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan for hosting the summit and emphasised that the current EU–Armenia Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA) is delivering tangible progress. He highlighted advances in political cooperation, economic integration, and sectoral reforms, while also pointing to new areas of collaboration, including security and defence cooperation through an expanded EU presence in Armenia.
The summit, the first of its kind, marks a significant milestone in EU–Armenia relations and reflects Armenia’s gradual shift towards Europe amid strained ties with Russia. While EU membership remains a distant and uncertain prospect, both sides signaled their intention to deepen cooperation across multiple domains, including connectivity, economic development, democratic governance, and security.
The EU-Armenia Summit took place following a European Political Community Summit in Yerevan.
You can read the joint statement between Armenia and the EU here.
Watch the full press conference here.
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