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The European Union praised Armenia's efforts to foster stability in the South Caucasus, including its push for normalization with Türkiye and a landmark peace deal with Azerbaijan.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa met with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in Brussels on Monday to discuss regional developments and deepen EU-Armenia relations.
"The draft peace treaty with Azerbaijan is a seismic moment. It brings decades of hostility to a close. I hope the treaty can be signed as soon as possible," von der Leyen said.
In a joint statement, EU leaders reaffirmed their support for Armenia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and democratic progress.
"We are working to have a deeper and broader partnership with Armenia, and we want to develop our relationship," Costa said.
Pashinyan expressed Armenia’s commitment to democratic reform and closer integration with the EU, emphasizing a mutual desire to strengthen ties.
Costa highlighted the EU's strong support for Armenia's ambitious reform agenda in a statement on his X account following the meeting.
The EU leaders commended Armenia's steps toward normalization with both Azerbaijan and Türkiye as part of broader regional stability efforts.
"President Costa and President von der Leyen also acknowledged Armenia’s ongoing efforts to promote stability in the South Caucasus, particularly through continued engagement in peace talks with Azerbaijan and steps toward the normalization of relations with Türkiye," the joint statement noted.
"The leaders also underlined the importance of the possibility of including Armenia in the European Union’s regional and economic initiatives, particularly within the framework of the Black Sea Strategy," the statement added.
Brussels voiced support for Armenia's "Crossroads of Peace" infrastructure initiative, which seeks to reopen regional trade routes and promote reconciliation, including with Türkiye and Azerbaijan.
"EU reaffirmed its support for Armenia’s Crossroads of Peace initiative, to promote regional connectivity and reconciliation," the statement noted.
EU leaders said Armenia's peace efforts contribute meaningfully to long-term stability in the region.
They also emphasized Armenia’s strategic importance to regional connectivity, particularly under the EU’s Black Sea and Global Gateway strategies.
The EU acknowledged progress in visa liberalization for Armenian citizens and pledged increased economic support.
"Leaders welcomed the recent political agreement on the text of the EU-Armenia New Partnership Agenda, a key milestone in their shared commitment to deepening ties," the statement noted.
"They also noted with satisfaction the progress in the visa liberalization process and Armenia’s recent law 'On the Launch of the process of European integration'," the statement added.
"The EU reaffirmed its strong commitment to supporting Armenia's resilience and long-term development through substantial financial and technical assistance."
"Under the Global Gateway strategy, EU investments in Armenia are now expected to reach €2.5 billion ($2.9 billion), fostering inclusive growth and connectivity," the statement added.
"The €270 million Resilience and Growth Plan, announced in April 2024, boosted EU funding to Armenia by 50%. With €200 million ($233 million) in grant assistance and €70 million ($81 million) in grant funding to leverage investments, it continues to support Armenia’s socio-economic reform agenda, closer sectoral cooperation, and investments in energy, transport, and the private sector," the joint statement noted.
Brussels lastly announced the launch of EU-Armenia Security and Defense consultations, reflecting a deepening strategic partnership.
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Pashinyan’s visit follows EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas’s recent trip to Yerevan.
During his Brussels stop, he also planned meetings with EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos and Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever.
The leaders said they look forward to further engagement at the upcoming EU-Armenia Partnership Council this autumn and expressed support for Armenia’s hosting of the European Political Community summit in 2026.
"The recently agreed EU-Armenia Partnership Agenda marks a new chapter in our relationship," Costa said.
"We commend Armenia’s efforts to ensure stability in the South Caucasus, particularly continued engagement in peace talks with Azerbaijan and steps toward normalization with Türkiye," he concluded.
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