Armenia shifts from Russia towards West with new defence deals

Talar Tumanian
EuracTiv
May 5 2026

Yerevan signed deals with the EU, France, and the UK

Pro

Defence

Pietro Guastamacchia


Armenia used a two-day gathering of European leaders in its capital to push its top priority, security, as it accelerates a shift away from Russia and towards Western partners.

Yerevan has signed a series of security memoranda aimed at anchoring itself in a widening network of European and transatlantic defence partnerships and away from Russia. 

This new phase in its security policy started after it reached a peace framework with its neighbour, Azerbaijan, following decades of territorial conflict over the region of Nagorno-Karabakh, which flared up in several armed confrontations from 1992 until 2023.

The country remains a formal member of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO), a Russia-led military alliance created to provide mutual defence among several post-Soviet states. But it has suspended its participation in all CSTO engagements, signalling a de facto disengagement from the bloc.

Geography remains a defining factor in Armenia’s security calculations. The country is surrounded by a complex and volatile neighbourhood, bordering rival Azerbaijan, historical adversary Turkey, war-torn Iran and Georgia.

EU PARTNERSHIP

On Tuesday, the EU and Armenia signed a Joint Declaration in which security occupied a central place across multiple chapters.

The text includes two €30 million packages for non-lethal assistance under the European Peace Facility, aimed at strengthening Armenia’s resilience and improving the interoperability of its armed forces for potential participation in international missions, including EU-led operations.

The joint conclusion also underlined Armenia’s interest in associating its military and civilian educational institutions with the European Security and Defence College, and looked to expand cooperation into cyber defence and hybrid threats.

It further welcomed the launch of negotiations for a Security of Information Agreement on the exchange of classified information, alongside commitments to deepen cooperation to prevent and disrupt circumvention of EU sanctions.

FRANCO–ITALIAN RIVALRY IN THE CAUCASUS

Following the EPC summit, Yerevan also signed a declaration for an Armenia–France strategic partnership during a state visit by French President Emmanuel Macron. 

The agreement aimed to foster cooperation in research, development and innovation in military technologies and defence systems. 

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also used his trip to the EPC summit to sign a new strategic partnership with Armenia. The agreement outlines cooperation in defence capacity-building, border security, cyber resilience and responses to hybrid threats as core elements.

Italy pursued a contrasting approach, with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni travelling to Azerbaijan to meet President Ilham Aliyev, who attended the EPC via video conference rather than travelling to Armenia.

Azerbaijan and Italy have opened “a new chapter in military cooperation,” Aliyev said following talks with Meloni in Baku. He noted that “Italian technologies are being presented” and highlighted discussions on “concrete points for expanding this cooperation,” with defence identified as a key area for further strengthening ties.

EYES ON NATO

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan also used his time in the European spotlight to meet NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, quietly advancing deeper cooperation with the transatlantic alliance.

The bilateral talks focused on regional stability in the South Caucasus, ongoing reforms and prospects for expanded capacity building and interoperability. Pashinyan emphasised democratic reforms and defence development as key drivers of closer engagement, according to local media reports.

The discussions followed earlier NATO engagement: on 20–21 April 2026, Ambassador Kevin Hamilton, NATO Secretary General’s Special Representative for the Caucasus and Central Asia, visited Armenia and met President Vahagn Khachaturyan, Pashinyan and senior officials. 

(at, cm)

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Joint declaration following the first Armenia–EU summit

Boris Nahapetian
European Council
May 5 2026

On 5 May 2026, the European Union and Armenia held their first-ever summit in Yerevan. The summit was a key opportunity to further strengthen bilateral relations, in particular on connectivity, energy, transport and digital cooperation.

During the summit, leaders adopted a joint declaration reaffirming the EU’s steadfast commitment to further strengthen its relations with Armenia and to support Armenia’s sovereignty, resilience, and comprehensive reform agenda.

The full text of the declaration is available below:

  • Joint declaration following the first Armenia–EU Summit 
  • https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2026/05/05/joint-declaration-following-the-first-armenia-eu-summit/

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Armenia balances on the tightrope between Russia and the EU

Maral Chavushian
DW – Deutsche Welle, Germany
May 5 2026
Katharina Kroll in Yerevan, Armenia

Armenia is moving closer to the EU politically and strategically. But its clear orientation toward the West while keeping close ties with Russia remains a balancing act.

“I believe this move toward Europe is a historic step for Armenia,” Varduhi Gasapryan, a young Armenian woman, told DW. “It will bring many positive things,” she said while enjoying the sun on Republic Square in Yerevan. The Armenian capital is currently bustling with activity.

Earlier this week, dozens of European leaders and representatives of key EU institutions traveled to the city for the first-ever meeting of the European Political Community (EPC) in the South Caucasus, as well as the very first EU-Armenia summit . This is a strong signal toward the West at a pivotal moment in Armenia’s long history. And it is also a signal to the population: Europe is serious, and close cooperation continues.

Geopolitical crossroads

Varduhi Gasapryan, who works in tourism, agrees: “Although the Armenians are a very strong people and a very talented nation, given the current political situation, we need support from everyone, from the European side, whether from the Russian side, or other major powers.”

Armenia is located at a geopolitical crossroads between Europe, Russia, the Middle East and Central Asia. For centuries, this position has left the landlocked country vulnerable to foreign rule, conflict and geopolitical influence.

Today, Armenia remains deeply shaped by its Soviet past. 

Republic Square — surrounded by monumental buildings made of pink tuff stone — lies in the heart of the capital. The small, mountainous country, with its population of 3 million, is home to one of the world’s oldest Christian cultures.

Europe is getting closer

Blue skies, a red carpet and the anthems of the EU and Armenia welcomed the European Union leaders at the Presidential Palace.

“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,” European Council President Antonio Costa said.

The new EU-Armenia Connectivity Partnership will focus on strengthening transportation, energy and digital links.

“For Armenia, the path toward Europe is a balancing act,” Jakob Wöllenstein, the head of the Belarus office of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, a German political foundation, told DW. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is steering his country very cautiously and only step by step toward the West, he said. “Armenia does not want to break with Russia prematurely as it cannot afford to do so,” he added, explaining that economic and security ties to the Russian government in Moscow were too close. Armenia was trying, at the same time, to maintain good relations with its neighbors and not alienate any of them, while still orienting itself clearly to the West.

Multi-track foreign policy

“I think this is proof of Armenian foreign policy diversification,” Benyamin Poghosyan of the APRI Institute for Applied Policy Research in Armenia told DW. Armenia is seeking “to add new partners and new friends to the list of countries with whom it has excellent relations and in this case, the European Union,” he said, underlining that individual European countries were also important.

Furthermore, the normalization of ties with Armenia’s neighbors Azerbaijan and Turkey is also part of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s strategy.

“That these summits are happening just a month before the parliamentary elections [on June 7, 2026] is a significant factor,” said Tigran Grigoryan, director of the Regional Center for Democracy and Security in Yerevan. “It also shows that Armenia has already become the most important partner for the EU in the South Caucasus,” he told DW. In his view, he said, the EU was sending a signal to the Armenian public that “this government is the one we want to work wit. It would be good if this government gets reelected.”

Rising pressure from Russia

As Armenia prepares for the final stretch of the election campaign, cyberattacksand disinformation campaigns are on the rise, particularly from Russia. The EU has already sent specialists to help Armenia counter these threats. “The only legitimate source of power in this country is the Armenian people’s will,” said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

“Recently, we have seen increasing signs that Russia is prepared to use tougher measures against Armenia,” Grigoryan warned. Last month, Armenia had received many threats from Russia, he added. “The goal of Armenia’s integration into the European Union is being questioned by Russia.” 

Meanwhile, public sentiment has shifted dramatically. Polls show a clear pro-EU support and declining support for Russia.

EU accession remains a distant goal

One thing is clear, however: EU accession is still a long way off. Armenia has not yet applied for membership of the bloc, and the accession process could take decades. Nevertheless, the country intends to pursue this path toward the EU.

“This is a very good and additional incentive for us to breathe new life into democratic, and, more generally, institutional reforms, to reach as quickly as possible the status of a country that meets the European Union’s standards,” Prime Minister Pashinyan said.

Meanwhile, at the Khor Virap Monastery, a key place for Armenian Christianity located some 40 kilometers (27 miles) away from Yerevan, the excitement of the capital cannot be felt. Laura Hayrapetyan sits with her husband, Arsen Khosteghyan, on the monastery walls and says that she supports the move toward Europe: “For me, for the entire Armenian people, this seems like a good thing that brings new opportunities.”

“We also want to have good relations with the Russian people so that positive things can come of it,” adds her husband. “We’ve lived side by side for 100 years, and I hope that we can live in harmony with all nations of the world.”

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Turkish Press: Türkiye-Armenia normalization offers model for regional peace’

Yeghisabet Arthur
Daily Sabah, Turkey
May 5 2026

by Anadolu Agency

The normalization and peace process between Türkiye and Armenia is “extremely valuable” and can serve as an example for other regions, Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz said Monday during a visit to Yerevan.

“Unfortunately, many regions of the world are not in such a situation. There are numerous conflicts and increasingly deepening wars,” Yılmaz told journalists on the sidelines of the 8th European Political Community summit.

The two countries signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly restore the ancient Ani Bridge.

The agreement was announced following a meeting between Yılmaz and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on the sidelines of the summit in the Armenian capital.

“Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev has made an important contribution to bringing this process to this point,” Yılmaz noted, adding that Pashinyan “has made a major contribution as well, demonstrating courageous leadership by presenting a realistic vision that serves the interests of his people-not just in words, but through concrete actions.”

Türkiye was represented at the highest level since 2008 by the vice president at the summit.

Calling Monday’s meeting in Yerevan “historic,” Yılmaz said: “Both in terms of Türkiye-Armenia relations and Azerbaijan-Armenia relations, the participation and the atmosphere here were highly positive. I hope it brings beneficial outcomes for the shared future, unity of geography, and common destiny of all the nations and states in this region.”

Yılmaz also emphasized Türkiye’s broader diplomatic role, saying: “At the same time, our President Recep Tayyip Erdogan continues to support normalization and peace with all of Türkiye’s strength and resources, maintaining dialogue with all sides in the region.”

He added that Erdogan’s “diplomacy for peace applies across many areas-not only in this issue, but also conflicts involving Iran, Israel, and the US, Gaza, Africa, Syria, and the Balkans.”

He also said: “Each individual step may not seem sufficient on its own, but over time, these steps accumulate, building trust between countries.”

Yılmaz also pointed to practical developments, including transport and investment links: “Turkish Airlines has resumed flights to Istanbul, and there are plans to increase them. Pegasus had already started earlier. There are also important developments in telecommunications.”

On the wider impact of the Mideast conflict, he said: “We believe that peace serves humanity. A just peace benefits everyone. Wars ultimately bring destruction and create high human costs.”

He added: “As seen in the recent Iran-U.S,-Israel conflict, wars also generate major economic costs.”

On infrastructure, he said: “Regarding the Ani Bridge, technical preparations have already been completed. Our institutions are now on the ground. There are no remaining obstacles, so work is expected to begin very soon.”

According to Yılmaz, “progress is being made day by day in Azerbaijan-Armenia relations, with mutual positive steps being taken,” adding that parallel efforts between Türkiye and Armenia are “creating a new atmosphere in the South Caucasus.”

“This is one of the most strategic regions in the world. It has historically been a transit region. We believe that as peace and normalization are achieved in the South Caucasus, first and foremost, everyone living in this region will benefit. Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Türkiye-all countries will benefit,” he underlined.

He also linked regional stability to global trade dynamics, noting: “As is well known, there is a war involving Russia, conflicts extending southward, and southern routes are operating at near full capacity. Therefore, the ‘Middle Corridor’ is extremely important, and today everyone recognizes its strategic significance more clearly.”

He concluded by thanking Armenian officials for their warm welcome in Yerevan. “Finally, I would like to say that from the moment we arrived, Armenian authorities showed us great interest and hospitality. I would like to thank all Armenian officials, especially Prime Minister Pashinyan, for their warm welcome and for creating such a positive atmosphere.”

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Armenia turns ‘towards Europe’ as Macron highlights shift from Russia

Frangulian Shushan
France 24
May 5 2026
Europe

French President Emmanuel Macron said Armenia has chosen a path “towards Europe” during a visit to Yerevan on Monday, highlighting the country’s gradual shift away from Russia’s influence. The remarks came as European leaders gathered in Armenia for regional summits focused on security and cooperation with the EU.

Armenia has chosen the path “towards Europe”, French President Emmanuel Macron said during a visit to Yerevan on Monday, as the landlocked post-Soviet state cautiously shifts away from Russia’s political orbit.

Armenia has been building ties with Europe for years, amid frustration in the country over Moscow’s perceived failure to protect it during conflicts with neighbouring Azerbaijan.

“For decades, we had become somewhat accustomed to Armenia being, in a way, a satellite of Russia,” Macron told members of Armenia’s French community in the capital Yerevan.

“Armenia has indeed made the choice … to break free from this constraint and turn towards Europe,” he added.

Macron also said France had provided material support for Armenia during conflicts with Azerbaijan.

“Russia was not there, any more than it is there for Venezuela when there are problems,” he said.

France is home to one of the largest Armenian diaspora communities in the world.

The two countries have a history of close diplomatic relations.

Dozens of European leaders including Macron were in Yerevan this week for a summit of the European Political Community, as well as a joint Armenian-EU summit.

(FRANCE 24 with AFP)

https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20260504-armenia-turns-towards-europe-as-macron-highlights-shift-from-russia

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Opening statement by President von der Leyen at the first EU-Armenia Summit

Emil Lazarian
Europeans Commission
May 5 2026

Page contents

Thank you, Prime Minister, dear Nikol, for the warm reception you have given to my friend António and me receiving us here.

I would like to congratulate you, both for hosting the European Political Community yesterday here in beautiful Yerevan. And for your peace-oriented agenda. Armenia has long been a valued member of our broader European family. Your peaceful Velvet Revolution in 2018 demonstrated your country’s commitment to core European values. That is democracy, respect for the rule of law, and fundamental freedoms. Today, I want to express our firm support and partnership with Armenia. We live in a volatile geopolitical context, and in this challenging environment, – this first-ever EU–Armenia Summit could not be more timely. It is the opportunity to deepen our bonds, and take our unique partnership to the next level. We will do so along four key priorities.

First, connectivity. We have just signed a Connectivity Partnership. It brings a new level of ambition to our cooperation. Starting with transport. Few countries are as uniquely positioned as Armenia. Your “Crossroads of Peace” initiative has the potential to link Europe with the South Caucasus and Central Asia. And to turn Armenia into a key transport hub. We are ready to work on rebuilding border crossing points, as your frontiers reopen with neighbouring countries. We know how important it is for a landlocked country like Armenia to be firmly integrated into a regional transport network. 

This is why we will support your integration into key transport networks, like the Trans Caspian Corridor. It is a route that is also of strategic importance for Europe, also given the growing flows of trade between our two regions. This is why today we are launching a High-Level Dialogue on Transport. As transport networks are a driving force for competitiveness.

Turning to energy. Armenia’s rapid expansion of solar energy is remarkable. It is a clear sign of your commitment to diversifying Armenia’s energy mix. And it is of paramount importance given the energy crisis we are all facing. We are supporting projects to further boost your energy independence, specifically in view of the precious renewable resources you were describing. This already includes 25 million EUR for the Caucasus Transmission Network. And investment in energy storage, for your security of supply.

Now turning to digital. Armenia’s emerging AI and engineering ecosystem is a strength we want to build on. Together we have identified a wide set of projects, and we have witnessed the signature of several Letters of Intent with leading companies. We are encouraging European companies to invest here, – where talent and opportunities come together. Armenia is the place to be.

The second priority is stronger cooperation on security. Under the European Peace Facility, we are supporting the Armenian Armed Forces. But Armenia also has to counter foreign information manipulation, hybrid threats and interference. Our new EU Partnership mission will support you in countering hybrid threats and disinformation. Because one thing is absolutely clear, the Armenian people’s will must remain the only legitimate source of power in the country.

The third priority is cooperation on visa policy and home affairs. Visa liberalisation is a priority that matters deeply to the Armenian people. And rightly so – since it is a key vehicle to bring our people closer together. So, we are pleased to present the first progress report on the implementation of the visa liberalisation action plan. And congratulation, it shows good work and progress since last November. I am absolutely convinced we are going to get there. Also today, we are also setting a new working arrangement between Frontex and Armenia. It will strengthen cooperation on border and migration management.

Last but not least, the fourth priority is continued economic support and societal resilience. Two years ago, we launched Resilience and Growth Plan for Armenia. Worth a 270 million euro. Its implementation is progressing well. We now expect the plan to leverage 2.5 billion euro in mobilised investments. We are supporting Armenian businesses, helping them grow and innovate, and access new markets. We are investing in skills and employment, but also on demining which is vital for safety and recovery. And we are providing much-needed support, including housing, to those displaced from Karabakh.

So, a wide range of topics. I have just touched on the most important ones, but this, dear Nikol and dear António, shows the width and the depth of our cooperation, and I am very much looking forward to our next summit.

Contacts for media


  • Chief Spokesperson
Phone
+32 2 29 20815
Mail
[email protected]  

  • Deputy Chief Spokesperson
Phone
+32 2 298 70 24
Mail
[email protected]  


  • Deputy Chief Spokesperson
Phone
+32 2 29 65966
Mail
[email protected]  

If you do not work for a media organisation
https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/statement_26_989

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London: Joint Declaration on a Strategic Partnership between the United Kingdo

Emil Lazarian
GOV. UK
May 5 2026
Press release

Joint Declaration on a Strategic Partnership between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Republic of Armenia.

From:
Prime Minister’s Office, 10 Downing Street
Published
5 May 2026

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Republic of Armenia (hereinafter: the Sides), building upon the Joint Statement on the establishment of the UK–Armenia Strategic Dialogue of November 2023, and recognising the longstanding and friendly relations between them, founded on mutual respect, shared values, growing cooperation, and convergence of interests in various fields, express their determination to reinforce their bilateral relations through the establishment of a Strategic Partnership.

Recalling their commitment to uphold and promote democracy, human rights, the rule of law, good governance, and a rules-based international order, including respect for sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and inviolability of internationally recognised borders, the Sides reaffirm their adherence to the purposes and principles set forth in the Charter of the United Nations and other international instruments promoting peace and security.

Emphasising the importance of the Washington Peace Summit Declaration of 8 August 2025 and the initialled Agreement “On the Establishment of Peace and Interstate Relations between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Azerbaijan”, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland reaffirms its continued support for the institutionalisation of peace and normalisation of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, based on mutual recognition of each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as delimitation of the interstate borders in accordance with the 1991 Almaty Declaration.

Welcoming the ongoing efforts to unblock regional transport communications to improve regional connectivity and stability, the Sides recognise that sustainable peace and connectivity can catalyse prosperity and security in the region. In that regard, the Sides agreed to continue discussing connectivity projects, highlighting the “Crossroads of Peace” and “TRIPP” initiatives as platforms for enhanced regional connectivity and economic cooperation.

The Sides have reached the following understanding:

  1. Defence and Security: The Sides share a long-term commitment to building Armenia’s capacity in the areas of security, resilience and defence. They underline the importance of advancing regional peace and stability, strengthening Armenia’s ability to manage evolving security challenges, and enhancing cooperation in areas including defence cooperation, institutional reform, border security and tackling illegal migration, cyber resilience, and the wider response to hybrid threats. The Sides further affirm their intention to cooperate in multilateral fora where interests align and opportunities permit.

  2. Economic Growth and Development: The Sides share an objective to promote sustainable economic growth and diversification in Armenia, deepen bilateral trade and investment ties, and strengthen regional connectivity in areas such as transport, energy and communication, as enablers of stability and prosperity. They recognise the importance of improving the business environment, supporting private‑sector development, facilitating investment, and cooperating in specific sectors of mutual agreement.

  3. Governance and Democratic Resilience: The Sides share a commitment to democratic values, transparent and effective governance, and inclusive institutions. They recognise the importance of strengthening public sector performance, ensuring free and fair elections, countering hybrid threats, advancing anti‑corruption efforts, and supporting an enabling environment for independent media and civil society. They also commit to exploring further bilateral cooperation that reinforces democratic resilience.

Final Provisions

The Sides have reached an understanding to hold an annual Strategic Partnership session on the three aforementioned areas, where the Sides have reached a mutual understanding. This will be delivered through a jointly owned Outcome Framework Document, which will ensure coherence between UK and Armenian activity and provide a monitoring mechanism to review progress against delivery.

This declaration is not an international treaty and does not create legal rights or obligations under domestic or international law. Implementation of activities under this declaration will be subject to the availability of resources and in accordance with the respective laws and regulations of the Sides. Additional areas of cooperation may be identified and mutually agreed upon. This Joint Declaration may be amended at any time by mutual written consent. Each Side may end cooperation under this Joint Declaration at any time, informing the other Side in writing at least six months prior.

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Remarks by President António Costa at the press conference following the EU–Ar

Hagop Kamalian
European Council
May 5 2026

Dear Prime Minister Pashinyan, allow me to begin by offering my warmest congratulations to you on the success of the summit of the European Political Community held yesterday, and today’s also historic first-ever summit between the European Union and Armenia. These are remarkable achievements and a testament of your leadership.

Thank you as well for the generous and exceptional hospitality that you and your team extended to us here in Yerevan.

Today’s summit marks an important milestone in the deepening of the partnership between the European Union and Armenia. It reflects the significant achievements of recent years and our shared ambition to deliver tangible benefits for our citizens, businesses and societies. 

It’s true, dear Nikol, you didn’t change the place of Armenia, but you changed radically the conditions of your country. I want to commend your vision for a democratic, resilient and prosperous Armenia. The European Union strongly supports Armenia’s socio-economic reform agenda, including through our technical and financial assistance. You have also shown courage and statesmanship by choosing to prioritise peace and a better future for your country. The participation of President Aliyev in the European Political Community summit yesterday is a testimony of the new atmosphere between your two countries.

A stable and prosperous South Caucasus is the bedrock of Armenia’s future, and the European Union will continue to support the regional peace and normalisation processes, working along with you to build that future together.

The European Union is a major, long-term partner for Armenia and the wider region. Through stronger transport, energy and digital connections, we can foster trust, create jobs and bring neighbours closer together through shared prosperity —the most effective foundation for lasting peace. Armenia can count on the European Union to walk this transformative path together. 
 
We are equally committed to supporting Armenia’s national resilience and your security. The new European Union Partnership Mission in Armenia will help strengthen crisis response capacities and contribute to the country’s long-term stability.

As we conclude this summit, I would like to underline the progress we have achieved together. Our shared goals of stability, democracy, peace, and prosperity for Armenia will continue to guide our efforts in the future.

Prime Minister Pashinyan, thank you once again for hosting us and for the spirit of cooperation of our discussions. We look forward to continuing this vital work together in the years ahead.

Thank you.

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Armenia hosts a historic European Union summit as the country charts a course

Emil Lazarian
Associated Press
May 5 2026

Armenia hosts a historic European Union summit as the country charts a course away from Russia

By  ELISE MORTON and MARK CARLSON

YEREVAN, Armenia (AP) — Armenia hosts its first bilateral summit with the European Union on Tuesday, a landmark diplomatic moment for the Caucasus Mountains nation that has formally declared its ambition to join the bloc and is cautiously loosening its ties with longtime ally Russia.
The EU-Armenia summit in Yerevan follows the eighth gathering of the European Political Community, or EPC, which brought dozens of European leaders to the Armenian capital on Monday to address European defense issues and the Iran war.

Meanwhile, Tuesday’s bilateral meeting saw Armenia and the EU sign a connectivity partnership to strengthen economic ties and deepen security cooperation.

The two events underscore how Armenia is seeking to turn westward and shed Russia’s influence. Armenia’s relations with Moscow, its longtime sponsor and ally, have grown increasingly strained since 2023, when neighboring Azerbaijan fully reclaimed the Karabakh region and ended the decadeslong rule by ethnic Armenian separatists.

Armenian authorities accused Russian peacekeepers who were deployed to the region of failing to stop Azerbaijan’s onslaught. Moscow, busy with the war in Ukraine, rejected the accusations, arguing that its troops didn’t have a mandate to intervene.

The war was “a belated demonstration that Russia is dangerously unreliable as a partner,” Richard Giragosian, director of the Regional Studies Center in Yerevan, told The Associated Press.

Pursuing ties with Europe

Since then, the government of Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has pursued closer ties with the West, a move welcomed by the 27-nation EU.

The opening ceremony of the EU-Armenia summit on Tuesday saw European Council President António Costa walk the red carpet side by side with Pashinyan and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, while a military band played in front of Armenian and EU flags.

In her opening statement, von der Leyen said that Europe was ready to aid Armenia in becoming a regional hub for global trade routes, including the building of physical infrastructure.

“We’re ready to invest in the local energy production and the energy links across the Black Sea, and we are ready to connect your booming digital scene to Europe’s digital market and turn Armenia’s position at the heart of this region into a motor of growth,” she said.

The new EU-Armenia connectivity partnership will focus on strengthening transportation, energy and digital links. Meanwhile, EU investments in Armenia are expected to reach 2.5 billion euros ($2.9 billion) under its global gateway infrastructure program, both sides said in a joint statement.

“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,” Costa said. “Bringing Armenia and its people closer to the European Union.”

Symbolic moves

The EU, rather than the United States, has stepped into the vacuum left by Russia, Giragosian said.

“EU engagement is much more prudent and much more productive than the U.S. becoming involved, simply because European engagement is less provocative to Russia over the longer term,” he said.

In 2025, Armenia’s parliament passed a law formally declaring the country’s intention to seek EU membership.

However, Giragosian described Tuesday’s summit as “a focus on deepening the preexisting relationship” rather than a step toward candidacy, referencing the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement that has governed EU-Armenia ties since fully taking effect in 2021.

“The symbolic significance is much greater as a message to Russia,” he said.

Armenia has also taken other symbolic steps. It joined the International Criminal Court in 2023, a move that Moscow condemned as an “unfriendly step.” The court has issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin, accusing him of personal responsibility for the abductions of children from Ukraine.

Armenia also froze its participation in the Moscow-led Collective Security Treaty Organization in 2024.

However, Armenia remains a member of the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union, or EEU, a single market allowing the free movement of goods, capital and labor. The organization also includes Belarus, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan — and Putin has made the trade-offs plain.

Speaking at talks with Pashinyan in Moscow earlier this year, Putin warned that Armenia couldn’t simultaneously belong to both the EEU and the EU, noting that Yerevan currently receives Russian natural gas at prices far below European market rates. Pashinyan acknowledged the incompatibility, but said that Armenia could, for now, combine EEU membership with deepening EU cooperation.

Pashinyan, who has been in office since 2018 and faces a parliamentary election in June, stands to benefit politically from the international profile of the European meetings. Giragosian said that Pashinyan’s government is likely to be reelected largely by default, with the opposition unable to offer a credible alternative program.

But Giragosian warned against framing Armenia’s foreign policy as purely a pivot from Russia to the West.

“Armenia is also pivoting beyond the black and white zero-sum game paradigm,” he said, pointing to significant diplomatic investment in Asia, including with Japan, South Korea and China. “This is not about replacing Russia with the West. This is much more innovative, much more sophisticated.”

Heightened tensions

The summit also comes at a moment of diplomatic strains between Azerbaijan and the EU. Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the EU ambassador last week to protest a European Parliament resolution demanding the release of Armenian prisoners of war and criticizing the treatment of Armenians in Karabakh. Lawmakers in Azerbaijan subsequently voted to suspend all cooperation with the European Parliament.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, who addressed the EPC conference via video link, accused the European Parliament and the Parliamentary Assembly for the Council of Europe, or PACE, of “double standards” for placing sanctions on Azerbaijan’s delegation.

There were also protests outside the EPC summit venue, which was surrounded by tight security. Demonstrators held photos of Armenian prisoners being held in Azerbaijan.

Opposition leader Aram Sargsyan, head of the Democratic Party of Armenia, told the Armenian Press Agency that the European officials were voicing support for Pashinyan before the election and have “forgotten about the Armenians in prison in Azerbaijan.”

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Elise Morton reported from London. Avet Demourian in Yerevan, and Katie Marie Davies in Manchester, England, contributed to this report.


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Armenia, France Deepen Ties Across Key Sectors

Maghakian Mike
Eurasia Review
May 5 2026
 May 5, 2026 

By PanARMENIAN

Armenia and France have published the full text of their joint declaration on establishing a strategic partnership, outlining a broad framework for deepening bilateral relations across multiple sectors.

The document emphasizes the intention to significantly expand cooperation in political, economic, justice, defense, security, cultural, educational, scientific, social, environmental, and technological fields.

It reaffirms that strengthening bilateral ties aligns with the national interests and shared values of both countries, based on longstanding historical friendship, democratic principles, and cultural connections.

The declaration confirms both sides’ commitment to international law, including the principles of the United Nations Charter and the Helsinki Final Act, and highlights their intention to contribute to regional and global peace and stability.

Armenia and France also reaffirm support for lasting peace in the South Caucasus, based on respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as internationally recognized principles.

The agreement elevates bilateral relations to the level of a strategic partnership, grounded in mutual respect, equality, human rights, fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law.

The partnership foresees comprehensive cooperation in several key areas:

  • Political dialogue and multilateral cooperation: Regular high-level consultations and coordination on international platforms, including the UN, Council of Europe, OSCE, and the European Political Community.
  • Security and defense: Expanded cooperation in military education, technology, and defense industry, including joint projects and high-level strategic dialogue.
  • Technology and digital fields: Collaboration in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science, and digital transformation, including combating cybercrime and information manipulation.
  • Economic cooperation and connectivity: Development of trade, infrastructure, energy, agriculture, and innovation, as well as support for regional connectivity initiatives such as the “Crossroads of Peace” and EU-backed programs.
  • Migration and internal security: Joint efforts to address irregular migration, strengthen law enforcement cooperation, and enhance institutional capacities.
  • Disaster risk management: Cooperation in emergency response, civil protection, and early warning systems.

The declaration also highlights support for Armenia’s closer ties with the European Union, including ongoing visa liberalization dialogue and reforms aimed at strengthening democratic institutions and economic resilience.

Overall, the document sets a long-term framework for expanding Armenian-French cooperation and positioning both countries as strategic partners in regional stability, development, and innovation.

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