EU and Armenia agree on investment and defence cooperation

Moscow (ANTARA) - The European Union has affirmed its full support for Armenia in strengthening bilateral relations, with a commitment of around €2.5 billion (US$2.9 billion) in investments into the country’s economy. This support was conveyed in a joint statement following the first EU-Armenia Summit in Yerevan on Tuesday. “The EU reaffirms its steadfast commitment to strengthening relations with Armenia and supporting its sovereignty, resilience, and comprehensive reform agenda, based on respect for democracy, human rights, fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law. This step aims to bring Armenia and its people closer to the European Union,” the statement read. In addition to economic investments, the EU has promised progress in visa facilitation, which will enhance mobility, strengthen people-to-people contacts, and bolster economic relations. The visa liberalisation dialogue, initiated in 2024, has shown significant progress, according to the statement. Armenia welcomes the EU’s support in developing a roadmap for the decommissioning of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant. The EU also affirmed its intention to strengthen cooperation in the fields of security and defence. At the summit, Armenia signed two documents with the EU, including the launch of the Connectivity Partnership. As part of this initiative, the EU handed over a letter of intent to six Armenian companies and foundations, five of which are related to support for attracting investment interest. Furthermore, both parties signed a cooperation arrangement between the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) and the Armenian Ministry of Internal Affairs, marking a new step in the integration of the border security sector.