Armenia can become key regional transport hub – Von der Leyen

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced deeper cooperation between the European Union and Armenia across transport, energy, security, digital development and visa liberalization during the first-ever EU–Armenia summit held in Yerevan on May 5.

Speaking at a joint press conference alongside European Council President António Costa and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, von der Leyen praised Armenia’s reform agenda and described the summit as a timely and important step amid a volatile geopolitical environment.

She congratulated Pashinyan on hosting both the European Political Community summit and the inaugural EU–Armenia summit, while commending Armenia’s “peace-oriented agenda.”

“Armenia has long been a valued member of our broader European family,” von der Leyen said, recalling the country’s 2018 Velvet Revolution as a demonstration of commitment to democracy, the rule of law and fundamental freedoms.

According to the European Commission president, the summit opened a new phase in EU–Armenia relations centered around four key priorities.

New Connectivity Partnership

Von der Leyen announced that the sides had signed a new connectivity partnership aimed at boosting cooperation in transport, energy and digital infrastructure.

She highlighted Armenia’s “Crossroads of Peace” initiative, saying it could connect Europe with the South Caucasus and Central Asia and transform Armenia into a major regional transport hub.

The EU, she said, is ready to support the reconstruction of border crossing points as Armenia’s borders reopen with neighboring countries and will back Armenia’s integration into major transport projects, including the Trans-Caspian Corridor.

A new high-level dialogue on transport was also launched during the summit.

Support for Energy and Digital Development

Von der Leyen praised Armenia’s rapid expansion of solar energy and its efforts to diversify energy supplies.

She announced continued EU support for projects aimed at strengthening Armenia’s energy independence, including €25 million allocated for Caucasus transmission networks and investments in energy storage infrastructure.

On digital cooperation, von der Leyen described Armenia as having a “remarkable AI and engineering ecosystem” and encouraged European companies to invest in the country.

Several letters of intent with leading companies were signed during the summit, she noted, adding that Armenia combines “talent and opportunities.”

Security and Countering Hybrid Threats

The European Commission president also emphasized closer cooperation in the security sphere.

She said the EU is supporting the Armenian Armed Forces through the European Peace Facility and helping Armenia counter disinformation, hybrid threats and foreign interference.

Von der Leyen noted that the newly established EU Partnership Mission in Armenia would assist the country in strengthening resilience against hybrid threats.

“The only legitimate source of power in this country is the Armenian people’s will,” she stated.

Progress on Visa Liberalization

Von der Leyen described visa liberalization as a major priority for Armenian citizens and welcomed progress in talks with the EU.

She said the European Commission had presented its first progress report on the process, describing it as “very positive.”

The EU and Armenia also agreed on a new working arrangement with Frontex to strengthen cooperation on border and migration management.

Economic Support and Assistance for Displaced Persons

Von der Leyen highlighted the implementation of the EU’s €270 million Resilience and Growth Plan for Armenia, launched two years ago.

According to her, the initiative is expected to mobilize up to €2.5 billion in investments.

The funding supports Armenian businesses, innovation, skills development and employment programs, as well as demining operations and assistance for people displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh, including housing support.

Concluding her remarks, von der Leyen said the summit demonstrated the “width and depth” of EU–Armenia cooperation and expressed confidence that relations between Brussels and Yerevan would continue to deepen in the coming years.