EU official discusses deepening ties with Armenia, focusing on economic resilience and regional connectivity.
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The European Union’s High Representative interviewed Vassilis Maragoss in Yerevan on May 7, following an EU-Armenia summit and a meeting of the European Political Community. The relationship between the EU and Armenia has deepened through efforts to strengthen ties across all dimensions. The main tool for this support is a resilience and growth plan aimed at strengthening Armenia’s economy, energy, society, private sector, and infrastructure, focusing on diversification rather than targeting specific entities. In trade, the EU supports adopting European quality standards and assists businesses with advice, guarantees, credit, and technical support. In energy, investments are being made in connectivity, particularly with Georgia, as well as storage, grid development, and Armenia’s Black Sea integration, alongside energy efficiency and nuclear safety. The EU views normalization and open borders between Armenia and Turkey as realistic goals, supporting broader regional connectivity through transport, energy, business, and people, seeing Armenia as a potential hub. Regarding the upcoming elections in Armenia, the EU defines success by the integrity of the process, supporting institutions that ensure free and fair elections, cybersecurity, guarantees against illegal financing, and efforts against foreign interference, emphasizing citizen participation. The message conveyed globally is that Armenia is no longer on the periphery of European political debate; both sides are committed to practical support and deepening the partnership through tangible results affecting citizens’ lives.
