The 8th European Political Community Summit and the first-ever EU–Armenia summit, to be held next week in Yerevan, are highly important in terms of boosting the country’s international standing, improving the security environment, and deepening ties with the EU, according to the head of a prominent educational organization.

In an interview with Armenpress, For Equal Rights Educational Center President and former lawmaker Gayane Abrahamyan said the importance for Armenia is not limited to the upcoming event but is of a continuous nature, starting from the first European Political Community summit.

“Since the very first summit in 2022, when the Prague agreements were adopted and it was decided to deploy the European Union monitoring mission in Armenia, this format has consistently emphasized cooperation with Armenia and support, particularly in the security sphere,” Abrahamyan said.

She noted that the European Political Community format, which includes both EU member states and partner countries, has at various stages contributed to strengthening Armenia’s security, including through practical decisions. In this context, the summit to be held in Yerevan has particular significance as it is taking place in Armenia.

Abrahamyan stressed that holding the event in Yerevan also sends an important political and security message.

“Even taking into account regional tensions, including the wartime situation around Iran, the fact that the summit is being held in Armenia shows that the European Union considers Armenia a reliable partner and a secure country,” she said.

According to her, the event also serves as an indirect signal to the international community and business circles.

“When one of the important EU summits is held in Armenia, it is in itself a message that Armenia is a partner country where investments can also be made. This is part of the process of increasing Armenia’s visibility and becoming an important actor on the map,” Abrahamyan said.

The expert said the summit will contribute to enhancing Armenia’s international reputation.

She added that this impact is further emphasized by the fact that the first EU–Armenia summit will be held alongside the EPC summit, with the participation of European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

“This is extremely high-level participation, which increases Armenia’s role in the region. It is also a political message that Armenia is seen as an important anchor for the European Union,” she said.

Speaking about expectations regarding peace and security in the South Caucasus, Abrahamyan said it is important to consider possible EU involvement in the Armenia–Azerbaijan peace process.

“Although the current format is primarily bilateral negotiations, the European Union can play an important role both politically and financially,” she said.

She added that EU involvement could create additional security guarantees and contribute to the stability of the peace process.

“American mediation alone is not sufficient, and in this regard, EU participation can raise the level of security and strengthen the process,” Abrahamyan said.

Speaking about economic and investment opportunities, she stressed that the summit agenda prioritizes energy, transport, and digital connectivity.

“These are the main areas where discussions are planned in the context of peace, security, and connectivity development in Armenia,” she said.