Armenia and the European Union are now closer than ever. Ursula von der Leyen

Armenia and the European Union are now closer than ever. We have made good progress on visa liberalization between Armenia and Europe. Within the framework of our investment program, €2.5 billion has already been allocated to ensure the flow of investments. This was stated by the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, during the first Armenia–EU summit.

“At this summit, we are moving to a new level of cooperation, especially in the context of a new partnership. Armenia is truly the shortest route between Central Asia, the Caspian Sea, and Europe. In the past, this route was closed due to wars and geopolitical factors, but now you are changing the situation thanks to your courageous choices and greater integration into European networks.

As a result, Armenia can become a regional hub for new trade routes, particularly in the field of critical raw materials. Europe is ready to support you both in terms of the physical infrastructure needed for transporting goods and raw materials, as well as in developing local energy production and energy connections via the Caspian Sea. We also support integrating your digital sector with Europe’s for further growth and development.

If we look at the region—from Ukraine to Iran—it is entirely shaken by wars, while here in the South Caucasus, a different story is unfolding. In an era of new conflicts, you are healing old wounds, and we want to support you by showing that peace leads to prosperity, and that connectivity can play the same role here as the unification of coal and steel did 80 years ago at the foundation of the European Union. It was precisely the establishment of trade ties that led to reconciliation between former enemies and brought peace to the region, delivering prosperity for all. This is a story well known to you,” von der Leyen said.