EU welcomes progress between Baku and Yerevan over the year since the Washington agreements: EU foreign affairs spokesperson

The European Union considers the lifting of trade and transit restrictions between Azerbaijan and Armenia, as well as the expansion of contacts between the two societies, to be among the key achievements of the year since the initialing of the draft peace agreement between the two countries in Washington on August 8, 2025. Anita Hipper, spokesperson for the European External Action Service (EEAS), told the European bureau of Azerbaijani news agency Report.

“The initialing of the draft peace agreement and the signing of a joint declaration on the peace process on August 8, 2025, were historic steps toward the full normalization of relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia,” the EEAS spokesperson said.

According to Hipper, since then the parties have made significant progress that has brought benefits to both countries. The EU specifically highlighted the lifting of trade and transit restrictions, the release of detainees, as well as increased contacts between representatives of the two countries the “Bridge of Peace” initiative.

At the same time, Brussels considers it necessary to continue implementing the agreements reached and to ensure the signing and ratification of the peace agreement.

The EU also supports the continuation of practical steps toward normalizing relations, such as expanding cooperation in connectivity, trade, and energy, Hipper noted.

She added that the continuation of the delimitation and demarcation process, the resolution of humanitarian issues, and work toward reconciliation, including at the societal level, remain equally important.

“The EU stands ready to provide additional support and expert assistance in all these areas,” the European Union representative stated.

It should be recalled that the text of the agreement on the establishment of peace and interstate relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan was initialed at the Washington summit on August 8, 2025, with the participation of U.S. President Donald Trump, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.