President of the European Council António Costa lauded the first Armenia–EU Summit as a historic event.

Speaking at the inaugural Armenia–EU Summit in Yerevan, Costa said that both the EPC Summit held on May 4 and the first bilateral summit have historic significance.

“Yesterday, we had a very historic moment with the first meeting of the EPC in the region. 

But today, we have a new very important historic moment, the first ever summit between the European Union and Armenia. This sends a clear signal of how the EU wishes to engage with Armenia. 

Now Armenia is living a new momentum of peace, of consolidation of your democratic regime, and this of course is the good environment to develop our bilateral relationship. The strategic agenda for the European Union-Armenia partnership was adopted last December, and since then we have been strengthening our relationship.

We are also working very closely on security and defence, from the European Peace Facility to joint efforts against the hybrid threat. As you know, the European Union partnership mission that was decided last April, that aims to strengthen Armenia’s democratic resilience, is a tangible sign of our shared commitment to addressing common challenges. And of course, for us it’s very important to protect the freedom of Armenian people to choose their own destiny.

And you can count on us to work together and to develop together our common destiny. Armenia is a key pillar in our relationship with the South Caucasus, but also to interconnect Europe through the South Caucasus to Caspian Sea, Central Asia. This is the history of our regions, and this will be also the future of our regions. And that’s why the European Commission and President von der Leyen for sure will focus on the concrete deliverables of this summit and how we can build on, in our strategic partnership, our common future in peace and for the prosperity of Armenian people and Europe,” he said. 

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said the inaugural Armenia–EU Summit in Yerevan elevates the bilateral relationship to a new qualitative level.

Speaking at the summit on Tuesday in Yerevan, Pashinyan described it as a historic event.

“When we mutually refer to today’s summit as the first bilateral summit, it means that the holding of a second, third, and subsequent summits is also implied. I believe the issue is not only the name itself, but also that our relations have already developed such a substantial agenda that, in a predictable way, it will be necessary in the near future to discuss it at the level of summits, while of course assuming that quite detailed and extensive work must be carried out in between, which has already been done so far,” the Prime Minister said at the meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President António Costa, and top diplomat Kaja Kallas, among others.

Pashinyan noted with satisfaction that the discussions held in a narrow-format meeting within the framework of the summit showed that there are common positions and a shared understanding on many items on the agenda.

“This means that there is an appropriate atmosphere for us to focus on the implementation and realization of the agenda. I would also like to thank the European Union for the support provided to us during this period, particularly in the areas of democratic and institutional reforms. I have often had the opportunity to say that democracy for us is not a coincidence of circumstances, but a strategy consciously adopted as a decision by the people of the Republic of Armenia,” Pashinyan emphasized.

The Prime Minister added that all reforms that could be implemented relying solely on political will have already been carried out, and further progress will require greater institutional, legislative, and expert input.

“In this regard, our cooperation with the EU is very important, and I can already thank our partners for supporting us in this area, starting with ensuring the independence of the judiciary, and extending to various issues, including countering hybrid challenges, which is, of course, part of our agenda,” the Prime Minister added, expressing hope that the EU will support efforts to address issues such as disinformation and the spread of hate speech through the exchange of experience or by providing access to already established tools.

French President Emmanuel Macron visited the Matenadaran, officially known as the Mesrop Mashtots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts, in Yerevan on Tuesday.

The Matenadaran is a renowned depository of ancient manuscripts, combining the functions of a museum, archive, and scientific institution.

Armenia’s Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport, Zhanna Andreasyan, as well as Matenadaran Director Ara Khzmalyan, accompanied the French president during a tour of the institution. Macron viewed the exhibits in the French section and signed the guestbook.

The French president is on a state visit to Armenia. A meeting with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is expected to take place. The leaders will deliver statements to the press after a document-signing ceremony. Macron and Pashinyan will also visit Gyumri.

President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen outlined the priority areas of cooperation between Armenia and the European Union, on which agreements were reached and documents were signed during the first Armenia–EU Summit held Tuesday in Yerevan.

“Armenia has long been a valuable member of the broader European family. The peaceful Velvet Revolution in 2018 demonstrated your country’s commitment to European values — democracy, the rule of law, and fundamental rights. Today, I would like to reaffirm our strong support for Armenia. We are living in a rapidly changing context, and the first Armenia–EU Summit, held in this challenging environment, is more timely than ever. It provides a good opportunity to deepen our ties and elevate our unique partnership to a new level, and that is exactly what we will do,” said the President of the European Commission during a press conference after the summit.

She outlined the key areas for deepening cooperation between Armenia and the European Union.

“The first area is connectivity. We have just signed a Connectivity Partnership document, which elevates our cooperation to a new level. The first pillar of this area is transport. Very few countries are as uniquely positioned as Armenia. Your ‘Crossroads of Peace’ initiative has the potential to connect Europe with the South Caucasus and Central Asia, turning Armenia into a key transport hub. We are already ready to work on upgrading border crossing points once borders with neighboring countries are opened. We know how important it is for Armenia to be well integrated into regional transport networks, which is why we will support your integration into key transport corridors such as the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, which is also of strategic importance for Europe. That is why today we are launching a high-level dialogue on transport. Transport and mobility are driving forces that enhance competitiveness,” said the President of the European Commission.

As the second pillar of cooperation on connectivity, von der Leyen highlighted the energy sector.

“The development of solar energy in Armenia is significant. It is a clear sign of diversification in Armenia’s energy sector and of crucial importance, especially in light of the energy crisis we are all facing today,” said the President of the European Commission.

She added that the European Union will promote Armenia’s energy security, taking into account its valuable renewable resources. According to her, €25 million will be invested in the Caucasus electricity network for the construction of energy storage facilities to ensure the security of energy supply.

The next pillar, von der Leyen said, is the information technology sector. “Armenia has an impressive ecosystem in artificial intelligence and engineering. This is a strong asset, and we want to build on it. Together, we have identified several projects, and in this room we witnessed the signing of several letters of intent with leading Armenian companies. We are encouraging European companies to invest here, where there is strong human capital and significant opportunities,” she noted.

According to von der Leyen, the next priority is stronger cooperation in the field of security. “Under the European Peace Facility, we support Armenia’s Armed Forces, but Armenia must also confront hybrid threats, interference, and the manipulation of the information space. Our partnership will help you withstand these threats. One thing is clear: the only legitimate source of power in this country is the will of the Armenian people,” she said.

Another priority, according to von der Leyen, is work toward visa liberalization. “Visa liberalization is a priority that is deeply important to the Armenian people. As we seek to bring our societies closer together, we are pleased to present the first progress report. Congratulations — it is very positive. Good work has been done and progress has been made since last November, and we are fully confident that we will achieve this. Today we are also approving working arrangements between FRONTEX and Armenia, which will strengthen cooperation in border management and migration flows,” said Ursula von der Leyen.

She added that another priority is economic support and social resilience. Von der Leyen recalled that two years ago the “Resilience and Growth” plan was launched, under which €270 million has been allocated to Armenia. She highlighted the successful implementation of the program, noting that an additional €2.5 billion in investments is expected to be mobilized within its framework.

“We are helping Armenian businesses access new markets and grow, investing in skills development and employment, as well as in demining, which is vital for safety and security. We are also providing much-needed support to those displaced from Karabakh, including housing,” Ursula von der Leyen concluded.

Ameriabank press release 

Lion Finance Group (LFG) marked its inclusion in the FTSE 100 Index by ringing the closing bell at the London Stock Exchange.

Ameriabank as part of LFG, has been included in the FTSE 100 index of one of the world’s leading stock exchanges in March, making it the first company from Armenia to join the top 100 companies listed on the London Stock Exchange.

The Bell Ringing Ceremony is a symbolic and long-standing tradition at the London Stock Exchange, attended by representatives of financial institutions, investors, and key stakeholders.

Leadership of Lion Finance Group, Ameriabank, Bank of Georgia, and government representatives both from Georgia and Armenia, including Minister of Finance Vahe Hovhannisyan and Governor of the Central Bank of Armenia Martin Galstyan, and other guests attended the ceremony.

The LFG’s entry into the FTSE 100 reflects strong international investor trust in its long-term strategy and consistent growth trajectory.

This milestone marks a new phase of growth for the Group and its subsidiaries, built on a long-term strategic vision and a commitment to delivering value to their customers.

Having been listed on the London Stock Exchange since 2006, the Group’s inclusion in the FTSE 100 index has taken place within two years after Ameriabank joined LFG. This testifies to the strategic importance of Ameriabank’s inclusion in the Group and to its significant contribution to the Group’s overall development. During the visit, representatives of Ameriabank and Bank of Georgia were also hosted at the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia in the United Kingdom, where they met with His Excellency Varuzhan Nersesyan, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary.

About Lion Finance Group

Lion Finance Group is a London Stock Exchange-listed banking group that brings together leading, customer-focused and digitally enabled universal banks across the region and operates through its principal subsidiaries, Bank of Georgia in Georgia and Ameriabank in Armenia.

About Ameriabank

Ameriabank is a leading financial and technology company in Armenia, a major contributor to the Armenian economy. In pursuit of digital transformation, the Bank has implemented unique products, services and innovative platforms designed to meet the diverse financial and non-financial needs people have today and keeps on improving them.

Being a dynamically developing fintech environment, Ameriabank offers comprehensive solutions to improve the quality of life.

The Bank is supervised by the Central Bank of Armenia.

French President Emmanuel Macron, after visiting the Armenian Genocide memorial in Yerevan, expressed France’s solidarity with the Armenian people in a social media post.

“Back in this place of memory and duty, facing the indelible,” Macron said, posting photos from the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial. “So that every name may be heard and not forgotten. France will forever stand alongside the Armenian people, with respect and in remembrance of the genocide endured and of so many stolen destinies.”

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has hailed the establishment of peace with Azerbaijan as a key development, noting its growing practical _expression_ and saying that both sides have begun using similar rhetoric.

“The most important development is that we now have peace with Azerbaijan. And we should note that in the preceding period we have not had even two years, or even one year, without shootings, casualties, and injuries with Azerbaijan,” the Prime Minister said at a press conference after the first Armenia-EU Summit in Yerevan.

Pashinyan emphasized that, for the first time, a situation has emerged between Armenia and Azerbaijan in which the two sides are also converging in their rhetoric.

“For the first time in our shared history, Armenia and Azerbaijan are using the same or very similar rhetoric. The President of Azerbaijan also says that peace is a new reality in our lives, and we are learning to live under conditions of peace,” he noted.

According to the Prime Minister, the sides are still trying to understand the essence of peace and its practical implications.

He also highlighted the importance of institutionalizing peace, stressing the need to sign and ratify the initialed peace agreement, while noting that legal foundations already exist.

“It is wrong to think that the established peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan has no de jure basis. In 2024, the regulations on the joint activities of the border delimitation commissions were signed and ratified, which is the first interstate agreement between our countries with binding legal force,” Pashinyan emphasized.

Pashinyan said that the Alma-Ata Declaration has been accepted under this agreement as the basic principle for the delimitation process.

Pashinyan also noted that the peace process is already being reflected in practical steps.

“About 26,000 tons of cargo have already arrived in Armenia via Azerbaijani railways, and Armenia has also begun importing petroleum products from Azerbaijan,” he said.

The Prime Minister also stressed the importance of shaping a socio-psychological understanding of peace, noting that the consequences of decades of hostility cannot be overcome overnight.

“For 40 years we have lived in an environment of hostility, and it is not possible to simply turn off hostility and press a peace button. This is an inertial process,” Pashinyan said.

At the same time, he expressed confidence that the institutionalization of peace is progressing faster than expected at the societal level.

The Prime Minister voiced confidence that the sides will reach the signing of the initialed peace agreement, while stressing that further work will be required afterwards.

“The signing of a peace agreement does not mean that the work is finished. On the contrary, it will require the signing of many new agreements in different areas,” he said.

Pashinyan also highlighted the importance of opening regional communications and infrastructure projects, including TRIPP and initiatives being discussed with the European Union.

“When we fully open the roads for each other, including the opening of the border with Türkiye, and I have no doubt that this will happen, it will be an important step in the institutionalization of peace,” the Prime Minister noted.

President of the European Council António Costa said that the first Armenia-EU summit held Tuesday in Yerevan sends a clear signal of the EU’s firm commitment to deepen ties.

“Today’s EU-Armenia summit sends a clear signal of the EU’s firm commitment to deepen our relations with Armenia, and to strengthen cooperation across many new areas. Bringing Armenia and its people closer to the European Union,” he said on X.

In a separate post, he said the summit marks an important milestone in the deepening of the partnership between the European Union and Armenia. “This moment was made possible by Armenia’s significant achievements in recent years. They created a unique opportunity to deliver tangible benefits for our citizens, businesses and societies.”

Costa thanked Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan for hosting the summit.

“Our discussions reflect the significant achievements of recent years and our shared ambition to deliver tangible benefits for our citizens, business and societies,” the President of the European Council said.