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The South Caucasus has entered a “transformative phase” following the normalization of relations between Armenia and Türkiye and the peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan, European Union Council President Antonio Costa said on Monday.
Speaking at the opening of the 8th European Political Community summit in Yerevan, Costa said improved ties between Ankara and Yerevan, together with the Armenia-Azerbaijan agreement, were creating momentum for regional stability and cooperation.
Costa said the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace deal was significant at a time when conflicts continue in many parts of the world. “That agreement is a story of peace in Europe that must be celebrated, in a world where escalation and war seem to dominate,” Costa said.
“Thanks to this agreement, and improved relations between Türkiye and Armenia, the region has embarked on a transformative path,” he added.
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Costa said the developments were helping lay the groundwork for a more integrated and connected South Caucasus.
He pointed to efforts to develop strategic industries, markets, transport corridors, digital networks and energy interconnections across the region.
According to Costa, these steps go beyond facilitating trade and movement. He said they also help build trust among neighbors, create jobs and support shared economic growth.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also addressed the summit, stressing the need to strengthen Europe’s resilience in a shifting geopolitical landscape.
She warned against overdependence in key sectors and referred to lessons from recent crises. Von der Leyen said the EU’s past reliance on imported fossil fuels was a major vulnerability that had been worsened by global instability and rising energy price volatility.
“We have to build our energy reliance much stronger, much more reliable on these homegrown, cheaper and predictable energy sources that we do have,” she said.
She pointed to renewables such as wind, solar, hydropower and geothermal energy, as well as nuclear power.
Von der Leyen also said the EU needed to accelerate electrification to strengthen energy independence and competitiveness.
She emphasized the importance of improving Europe’s security and defense capabilities, noting plans to mobilize up to €800 billion by 2030 to address existing gaps and ensure credible deterrence.
“We need to be able to stand up for ourselves. It’s long overdue,” von der Leyen said.
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