EU President Von der Leyen Announces Comprehensive Support for Armenia Amid Russia’s Pressure

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen declared the EU’s robust backing for Armenia during her Thursday visit to Yerevan, as part of a strategic South Caucasus tour, unveiling key economic measures to counter Russia’s growing pressure resulting from Armenia’s cautious pro-West alignment.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Emphasizing Armenia’s “closer partnership with Europe” and affirming that “the Armenian people chose democracy… and to partner with the European Union,” von der Leyen introduced new financial aid packages, eliminated most trade tariffs on Armenian exports to the EU, and committed to supporting visa liberalization and other initiatives in response to Russia’s “economic coercion.”

Following her Wednesday visit to Azerbaijan, von der Leyen highlighted a “history-making moment” in the Armenian-Azerbaijan peace process and emphasized the EU’s strengthened strategic engagement with both nations, noting that “while Armenia is moving closer to the EU, the South Caucasus is growing more unified.”

Through a political statement, the Commission president reiterated that Armenia’s recent election victory under Pashinyan reflected a clear choice: “democracy, the rule of law, reform, peace, an open, inclusive society, and partnership with the EU.” She stressed, “Now we must turn these aspirations into results.”

Von der Leyen also assured Armenia of EU political support, stating: “I recognize Armenia faces substantial economic pressure from Russia, but you can count on us—when pressure rises, the EU will respond.”

Landmark Trade Agreement to Circumvent Russian Restrictions

Armenia will uniquely benefit from an EU instrument, as it is neither an accession candidate nor held a traditional trade pact, enabling it to redirect most exports from Russian markets to EU consumers without customs duties.

Von der Leyen announced Autonomous Trade Measures, a proposal aimed at liberalizing nearly 80% of Armenia’s exports to the EU’s single market of 450 million people by removing tariffs, supporting the economy amid Russia’s stringent trade restrictions over recent months.

“This initiative will open new opportunities for almost 99% of Armenia’s fresh produce—fruits, vegetables, and plants—that previously flowed to Russia and will grant access to over 90% of your beverages and spirits in the EU market,” the Commission president noted.

“In fact, in recent weeks, we’ve seen increased Armenian flower shipments arriving in our stores—a symbol of a new phase in our economic collaboration. This is just the beginning,” she added.

Additionally, von der Leyen announced an extra €18 million to aid trade, completing the EU’s broader €52 million package launched before Armenia’s pivotal June elections, which secured Pashinyan’s pro-Western mandate.

Von der Leyen reiterated that Russia exerts “significant economic pressure” on Armenia, calling it “economic coercion.” When questioned about Armenia’s future ties with Russia, Pashinyan stressed that the government “has never sought nor will seek to provoke a crisis in Armenia-Russia relations. Our actions solely serve Armenia’s interests while respecting all partners’ rights.”

Billions Invested in Regional Connectivity

The EU reiterated its pledge—first announced in Baku on Wednesday—to invest €200 million in the Global Gateway initiative and mobilize up to €2 billion for strategic transport, energy, and digital projects across the South Caucasus, now that Armenia has achieved peace with Azerbaijan.

Connectivity is a cornerstone of EU engagement in the region, with the Middle Corridor—formally the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR)—emerging as a critical Eurasian alternative amid global supply chain disruptions in the Middle East.

The Middle Corridor spans roadways, railroads, and maritime routes linking China and Southeast Asia via Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey, and Europe. As a key hub, the South Caucasus plays a vital role, and von der Leyen pledged €20 million for a “peace-building program” to support communities along borders, bolstering local economies and daily living to “anchor peace in this generation and the next.”

This move underscores the EU’s backing of Pashinyan’s decree that Armenia has now closed the Karabakh conflict chapter with Azerbaijan, enabling both nations to build a peaceful future.

Visa Liberalization and Energy Diversification Initiatives

Pashinyan announced Armenia’s goal to achieve visa liberalization with the EU by 2029, contingent on reform progress. Von der Leyen stated the EU is conducting an assessment mission this autumn and noted Armenia is the sole country in an active visa liberalization process with the bloc.

Given Armenia’s reliance on Russian energy imports, which Moscow has previously threatened, the EC president confirmed EU experts will assist in diversifying energy sources, leveraging experience from Ukraine and Moldova. Pashinyan added that Armenia plans to construct power transmission lines with Azerbaijan and Turkey, restoring regional transport links to enhance energy security.

While praising Armenia’s “most consequential regional development in decades,” von der Leyen also commended its normalization of relations with Turkey. “These decisions required courage and leadership. Their rewards will be substantial,” she told Pashinyan.

“Opening borders will transform Armenia’s economic prospects and position it at the heart of one of the world’s most strategic crossroads. We will support you in achieving this vision,” she concluded.

Source link