Category: News

“Only Russia’s defeat”. Armenia’s pro-European politician explains Yerevan’s c

David Nargizian
Liga.net
May 6 2026

“Only Russia’s defeat”. Armenia’s pro-European politician explains Yerevan’s common goals with Kyiv

In a conversation with LIGA.net, Tigran Khzmalyan emphasized that geopolitically Armenia will break away from Russia if it loses to Ukraine

Ihor Tymots
correspondent of LIGA.net

Yuliia Kuzmenko
News editor at LIGA.net

Armenia is now balancing between influential Russia and attractive Europe, and this will change only when Russia loses politically in the war with Ukraine. This was stated by the Chairman of the European Party of Armenia Tigran Khzmalyan in comments for analysis on LIGA.net.

WHY IT MATTERS
For the first time in decades, Armenia is looking to the West, disillusioned with Russia’s protection. Last year, the country adopted a law on joining the European Union, and recently the capital Yerevan hosted the summit of the European Political Community. Read in the article LIGA.net, how the Armenian future is being decided between Moscow and Europe and what it means for Ukraine.

Russia has several spheres of influence in Armenia, which still forces the current government, led by Prime Minister By Nikol Pashinyan to balance between pandering to Moscow and confident European integration.

First, there is a Russian military base in the southwestern Armenian city of Gyumri. According to Khzmalyan, it was never intended to defend Armenia, only to protect Russian interests in Armenia.

“The Russian base is now so small that it does not pose a serious threat. To our shame and regret, it was one of the sources of threat to Ukraine. Thugs were sent from there to the Ukrainian fronts,” the politician said.

Secondly, Russia owns the Armenian railroad, Armenia’s gas distribution systems, and virtually all copper, molecular and gold mines. Russia controls the supply of fuel for the nuclear power plant. So in this way, it influences the economy, politics and media.

“Russian TV channels broadcast freely in Armenia, spy nests called the House of Russia, the House of Russian Books, the House of Moscow, the Rossotrudnichestvo organization, Compatriots and other branches of the Federal Security Service (FSB), the Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU) and the Foreign Intelligence Service operate freely in Armenia,” Khzmalyan added.

Finally, Armenia receives gas for domestic use from Russia. The entire small country could have been satisfied with supplies from another neighbor, Iran. But Russia, with the help of former Armenian President Robert Kocharyan, refused to build a 1.5-meter-diameter pipe that would have allowed the export of Iranian gas, Khzmalyan explained.

Thus, it is difficult for Armenia to break away from these ties. Pro-European political forces understand the importance of Ukraine’s victory for the development of their homeland. The leader of the European Party summarizes: the main geopolitical hope of Armenia, as well as Europe, is the victory of Ukraine and the defeat of Russia. Moreover, the defeat is not only military, but also political, the destruction of the regime of Russian dictator Vladimir Putin.

on January 9, the Armenian government approved a draft law on starting the process of accession to the European Union.
In January 2025 Armenia signed with the United States a document on strategic partnership.
on April 21, the head of European diplomacy, Kallas saidthe EU will send a new civilian mission to Armenia to counter disinformation.”The Russian base is now so small that it does not pose a serious threat. To our shame and regret, it was one of the sources of threat to Ukraine. Thugs were sent from there to the Ukrainian fronts,” the politician said.

Secondly, Russia owns the Armenian railroad, Armenia’s gas distribution systems, and virtually all copper, molecular and gold mines. Russia controls the supply of fuel for the nuclear power plant. So in this way, it influences the economy, politics and media.

“Russian TV channels broadcast freely in Armenia, spy nests called the House of Russia, the House of Russian Books, the House of Moscow, the Rossotrudnichestvo organization, Compatriots and other branches of the Federal Security Service (FSB), the Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU) and the Foreign Intelligence Service operate freely in Armenia,” Khzmalyan added.

Finally, Armenia receives gas for domestic use from Russia. The entire small country could have been satisfied with supplies from another neighbor, Iran. But Russia, with the help of former Armenian President Robert Kocharyan, refused to build a 1.5-meter-diameter pipe that would have allowed the export of Iranian gas, Khzmalyan explained.

Thus, it is difficult for Armenia to break away from these ties. Pro-European political forces understand the importance of Ukraine’s victory for the development of their homeland. The leader of the European Party summarizes: the main geopolitical hope of Armenia, as well as Europe, is the victory of Ukraine and the defeat of Russia. Moreover, the defeat is not only military, but also political, the destruction of the regime of Russian dictator Vladimir Putin.

on January 9, the Armenian government approved a draft law on starting the process of accession to the European Union.
In January 2025 Armenia signed with the United States a document on strategic partnership.
on April 21, the head of European diplomacy, Kallas saidthe EU will send a new civilian mission to Armenia to counter disinformation.

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Tsikhanouskaya’s Advisers Discuss Creation Of “For A Democratic Belarus” Grou

Chatinian Lara
Reform.news
May 6 2026

A group titled “For a Democratic Belarus” may be established in the Armenian parliament. The issue was discussed at a meeting between advisers to Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Dzianis Kuchynski and Anatol Liabedzka, and Rustem Bakoyan, one of the heads of the human rights committee in the Armenian parliament.

The sides discussed the human rights situation, opportunities for developing parliamentary cooperation, support for Belarusians and the exchange of experience, the Tsikhanouskaya Office reported.

The main topic of the meeting was the creation of the “For a Democratic Belarus” group. The parties agreed to return to discussing the issue after parliamentary elections in Armenia.

“The parliamentary dimension is another important area of our work. We are consistently expanding the network of support for Belarus: such groups already operate in Moldova and Ukraine, and the next goal is Armenia”, Liabedzka said.

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Armenia And The Disappearing Mountain

Hambardsumian Paul
Big News Network
May 6 2026

RFE
6th May 2026, 22:48 GMT+11

Something seems to be missing from Armenias new biometric passport. Thats according to many in the country, whohave flaggedan unusual image in the document.

Among pages showcasing Armenias heritage and culture is a picture of Khor Virap. The 17th century monastery is famous largely for its spectacular backdrop of Mount Ararat. In the passport, however, the monastery is depicted from an angle showing only nondescript mountains on the horizon. Critics havecalledthe unusual image a ploy to avoid including Ararat in the official document.

Pages 24-25 of the new Armenian passport

Mount Ararat is situated inside Turkey and officially known by its Turkish name Mount Agri, but the landmark rises prominently above Yerevan on clear days.

The 5,100 meter mountain was a part of ancient kingdoms of Armenia, but ethnic Armenians were driven from settlements around Ararat amid the Ottoman state-led killings, which have been recognized as genocide by dozens of countries including the United States. When borders in the region were redrawn following World War I, Ararat’s twin peaks were included within the eastern edge of modern Turkey.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian recently hinted at the controversy over the passport depiction of Khor Virap,sayingduring a live stream with Interior Minister Arpine Sargsian that, weve chosen such a perspective to suit our policies and what we have discussed for a long time.

Given it is the passport of the Republic of Armenia,” Pashinian added, the passport reflects the territory of the Republic of Armenia.

Mount Ararat (left) seen behind Yerevan’s Mother Armenia monument

The absence of the mountain in the passports, which are set to be rolled out in the fall of 2026, follows a government decision late last year to remove snow-capped icons of Mount Ararat from passport stamps. That decision led to an uproar in the country, includinga lawsuitfiled against the government.

Opposition politician Hayk Mamijanian condemned the removal of the mountain from passport stamps at the time,telling reportersit never ceases to amaze how zealously Pashinian is ready to please Turkey or Azerbaijan.”

Since Azerbaijans military recapture of the Nagorno-Karabakh region in 2023, Armenia has sought to normalize relations with neighboring Azerbaijan and Turkey, both historic foes of Armenia.

Armenia and Azerbaijan initialled apeace agreementin 2025 that includes a clause indefinitely forbidding either country from making territorial claims on the other. Turkey, a close ally of Baku, haslong objectedto Armenias use of Ararat as a national symbol, including in thecoat of armsof the Soviet Republic of Armenia.

A 2022 passport stamp for Armenia featuring the twin peaks of Mount Ararat

Joshua Kucera, a senior analyst for International Crisis Group, says the Khor Virap image appears to be, part of the larger real Armenia narrative that [Pashinian] is promoting, trying to refocus Armenians’ attentions to the issues within their own borders rather than historical Armenia outside its borders.

The Caucasus expert says that reframing effort also includes the recaptured Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan.

Some fear a more consequential target for the Pashinian government could be the current Armenian coat of arms, which features Ararat as its centerpiece, topped with Noahs Ark. The mythical vessel is believed by some Christians to have settled atop Mount Ararat following the biblical flood. In 2023, Pashinian criticized the emblem for representing “a dichotomy between historical Armenia and real Armenia.

A depiction of the Coat of Arms of Armenia featuring Noahs Ark resting atop Mount Ararat

Edmon Marukian, a politician and former ally of the Armenian prime minister, called the 2025 erasure of Mount Ararat from passport stamps a potential precursor to Armenias coat of arms being remade. Removing [Ararat] would require changing the constitution and the law, the politician noted, adding, are we, as citizens, ready to tolerate this?

In April, RFE/RL’s Armenian Service asked Pashinian about the potential for Ararat to be removed from the coat of arms. The prime minister responded only that “I am not raising such a question.”

Armenia And The Disappearing Mountain

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France and Armenia Agree on Strategic Partnership and Military Cooperation

Hovik Karapetian
Militarnyi
May 6 2026

Sania Kozatskyi

France and Armenia have signed a joint declaration establishing a strategic partnership and agreed to expand cooperation in the defense sector.

According to Aravot, the document was signed by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and French President Emmanuel Macron.

In addition, the two countries signed 13 other bilateral agreements covering defense, finance, cybersecurity, infrastructure, and education.

In particular, a memorandum of understanding between the defense ministries of Armenia and France provides for cooperation in research, development, and advanced military technologies.

In addition, Armenia’s defense ministry signed a contract with the French group Sofema to supply equipment.

An agreement was also concluded with Airbus Helicopters for the delivery of transport helicopters. According to local media, this involves six multi-purpose Airbus H145 helicopters.

It is worth noting that in June 2024, France’s defense minister announced the signing of an agreement to supply Armenia with Caesar self-propelled howitzers.

French President Emmanuel Macron, during a visit to Yerevan, also called on Europe to help Armenia independently secure its borders. Currently, about 4,000 Russian troops remain in the country, including more than 1,000 border guards.

Russian forces are stationed in Armenia under an interstate agreement that established the 102nd military base in Gyumri. This facility serves as Russia’s military presence in the South Caucasus region.

The base was established in 1995 for a period of 25 years, but the agreement was later extended. Under the revised terms, the Russian contingent can remain in the country until 2044.

Russian forces have also been guarding Armenia’s borders since 1992. At that time, the countries signed an agreement under which Russia’s FSB Border Service assumed control of the borders with Türkiye and Iran.

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Turkish Press: Ties with Türkiye reach ‘excellent dialogue’ level: Armenian F

Bedik Zaminian
Turkey Today
May 6 2026

Ties with Türkiye reach ‘excellent dialogue’ level: Armenian FM

Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan said Yerevan and Ankara have established an “excellent dialogue” and created multiple opportunities for cooperation as contacts between the two countries intensified.

Speaking at the “Yerevan Dialogue 2026” forum in Armenia’s capital on Wednesday, Mirzoyan noted that both sides had demonstrated political will toward establishing diplomatic relations and reopening the border.

He added that the current level of dialogue between Türkiye and Armenia has reached a stage capable of producing “positive results.”

Border-normalization gains momentum

Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister Vahan Kostanyan stated that important progress has already been achieved in the normalization process, while the ultimate goal remains the full opening of borders and establishment of diplomatic relations.

“We took very important steps in the normalization process regarding direct flights between Yerevan and Istanbul and the resumption of cargo transportation between the two countries,” Kostanyan noted.

He also said coordination continues regarding the Alican-Margara border gate, adding that infrastructure preparations have largely been completed.

“Considering the global situation and developments in the Middle East, we believe there is currently a competitive advantage that should be evaluated through communication and connectivity networks involving South Caucasus countries and Türkiye,” Kostanyan remarked.

“I believe there is a general desire within Armenian society to normalize relations with Türkiye, and this is also the policy of the current government.”

Türkiye says border nearly ready to open

Türkiye’s Special Representative for Armenia Normalization, retired ambassador Serdar Kilic, said that the border has “almost reached the point of being ready to open,” although several technical and bureaucratic procedures still need to be completed.

Speaking to Turkish journalists in Yerevan, Kilic described Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz’s recent visit to Armenia as a turning point in bilateral relations, noting that it marked the first visit at that level in many years.

Kilic also highlighted the signing of a protocol on restoring the historic Ani Bridge, located on the historic Silk Road between the two countries, in the presence of Yilmaz and Pashinyan.

He said Turkish Airlines began daily flights to Yerevan on March 11 and would increase the number of flights from May 15, while Pegasus Airlines also operates routes between the two countries.

He also referred to mutual scholarship programs for university students and visa facilitation measures for diplomatic and special passport holders as additional steps supporting normalization.

Despite progress, Kilic cautioned that technical preparations such as fiber-optic infrastructure, customs staffing and security arrangements still need to be finalized before the border could formally reopen.

“You cannot simply announce tomorrow morning that the border is open and start allowing people through immediately,” he said, emphasizing that the remaining infrastructure and administrative work has to be completed first.

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Turkish Press: Big hopes, open borders, and opportunity: What Armenia’s young

Khoyetsian Rose
Anadolu Agency, Turkey
May 6 2026
Young people link renewed Armenia–Türkiye relations to dreams of security, opportunities in region
Aysu Bicer


YEREVAN, Armenia

Relations between Türkiye and Armenia are going through their most active and tangible phase since the 1990s, driven by recent normalization efforts.

As of early May, the process has moved toward frequent diplomatic contacts and a focus on confidence-building measures, including direct technical projects such as the joint restoration of the ancient Ani Bridge, which stands on the border between the two.

But how do young people in the capital Yerevan view these developments, and how do they see the future for their landlocked country in the South Caucasus?

We took to the streets in the heart of the city—Republic Square and Abovyan Street—to ask the young people themselves.

“(We have) big hopes about the peace, because we didn’t have peace for around 30 years,” Aprin, 32, told Anadolu, reflecting a sentiment shared by many of her generation.

“I was born in 1994 and we always had like, strikes and war, little wars, big wars, etc.,” she recounted.

“So it’s actually very fantastic for us, not realistic so much. We have huge hopes for the future, that the peace will really happen, and we will have maybe open borders with our neighbors.”

‘I see the future of Armenia will be safer than now’

For others, the issue is less abstract and more immediate.

“I live here, and every day I think, what if tomorrow will start a war, and that’s not cool,” said a twentysomething woman.

“I see the future of Armenia will be safer than now, that’s the first question that I’m interested in. And about my own future, about success, about money, about visas, I think that also will have good impact on Armenia.”

The language of security, or the lack of it, runs through nearly every conversation.

A third young Yerevan resident framed the normalization process in simple, almost universal terms: Relief.

“I’m very grateful about these processes, and I hope that one day Armenia would have a real peace in our region. To be in peaceful place, Armenia to be in peaceful place, and soldiers not be (in) any war situation in our region,” said the woman, who was in her twenties.

Yet beyond the desire for stability lies a quieter anticipation of transformation.

One young resident imagined a different Yerevan altogether, as transportation links to other countries multiply and grow easier: “Imagine in a few years, how the picture of the city is going to change and how many more people are going to just come to visit here.”

“Of course, it is nice to hear about the word of peace in such a world that we’re living in. And as far as I see, I think Armenia has been successful, keeping it at peace so far. And I hope it goes this way. I hope no more wars comes around this beautiful country,” she added.

On Monday, Türkiye and Armenia signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly restore the ancient Ani Bridge, in a move described as a step toward strengthening ties between the two countries.

The agreement was announced following a meeting between Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz on the sidelines of the 8th European Political Community Summit in Yerevan.

Türkiye was represented at the summit at its highest level since 2008 by Yilmaz, reflecting growing momentum in Türkiye’s normalization process with Armenia.

Also, on April 28, officials met in Kars to discuss reopening the Kars-Gyumri railway, which has been unused for 33 years. If restored, this link could become a vital artery for regional trade.

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“We chose the path of democratization, they chose a slightly different one.” A

Alex Jidarian
Nasha Niva

May 6 2026

“We chose the path of democratization, they chose a slightly different one.” Armenia reacted to the Belarusian MFA’s note

In response to the note from the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Armenia reiterated: “Armenia will not be a province.” Relations between Armenia and Belarus are not worsening due to statements by officials, but due to specific hostile steps. This follows from today’s statement by the Chairman of the National Assembly of Armenia, Alen Simonyan, writes “Radio Svaboda”.

On May 6, Alen Simonyan once again emphasized his previous position. He stated that Armenia will not become a province and will not be politically dependent on other countries. According to him, the country will strengthen its sovereignty, and the Belarusian model of governance is unacceptable for it. He also noted that Armenia considers itself a free state with independent media, human rights, and the rule of law.

“Disrespectful attitude towards Armenia, an CSTO partner, towards Armenian statehood worsens relations. Preparation for the 44-day war together with Azerbaijan worsens relations,” the Armenian service of “Radio Svaboda” quotes Alen Simonyan’s answer to a question about Armenian-Belarusian relations.

“A political course is a matter of choice for each state. For the Republic of Armenia, human rights and freedoms are paramount values. And I believe that each state chooses its own path. We have chosen the path of democratization of Armenia, they have chosen a slightly different one,” Simonyan said about Belarus.

Prior to this, on May 5, an Armenian diplomat Artur Sargsyan was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus and handed a note of protest. The Belarusian side stated that this was done due to Armenia’s recent unfriendly statements and actions.

The reason for this was the words of the same Armenian Parliament Speaker Alen Simonyan, who on May 1 stated that his country would not allow itself to turn into “a second Belarus” and would not be governed like Belarus.

In response, the representative of the Belarusian Foreign Ministry Ruslan Varankou called these statements pre-election populism and an attempt to divert the attention of Armenian citizens from internal problems.


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EU Bets €2.5bn on Armenia To Bypass Russia

Bedik Zaminian
The European Conservative
May 6 2026

EU Bets €2.5bn on Armenia To Bypass Russia

War in Ukraine and Red Sea disruption are forcing Europe to find new routes for trade and energy.

Javier Villamor
— May 6, 2026

KAREN MINASYAN / AFP

The EU is betting €2.5 billion on Armenia as part of a wider push to move trade and energy into Europe without relying on Russia. At a summit in Yerevan this week, Brussels made clear it sees the country as a new potential transit corridor.

The timing matters. The war in Ukraine has disrupted trade routes that used to pass through Russia. Attacks in the Red Sea have also made shipping between Asia and Europe slower and more expensive. As a result, Brussels is looking for new routes it can depend on.

Armenia is now part of that plan.

The European Commission has included the country in its Global Gateway programme, with around €2.5 billion in planned investment. The money will go into transport links, energy networks, and digital infrastructure. For a small, landlocked country, that is a major commitment.

The EU is not interested in what Armenia produces but in what can pass through it: goods and energy moving along the Middle Corridor—a route linking China and Central Asia to Europe while avoiding Russian territory.

But there is a trade-off. In trying to reduce its reliance on Russia, Europe risks increasing its reliance on other powers, including China.

Trade between the EU and Armenia has already been growing, with the bloc accounting for around 12–13% of Armenia’s trade. New agreements on border control, energy, and digital systems show that closer ties are forming. In simple terms, Brussels is offering investment in return for political alignment.

Armenia, for its part, is starting to move away from Russia. Moscow’s weak response during recent clashes with Azerbaijan has damaged trust between the two countries. Yerevan is now looking to the EU and the United States for support, while also exploring links with countries like India and Iran.

But there are clear limits to how far this can go.

Armenia is still part of the Russian-led Eurasian Economic Union, which restricts its trade options. Much of its trade depends on Georgia, its main route to the Black Sea. And its long-running tensions with Azerbaijan and Turkey remain unresolved, despite some recent signs of progress.

Other countries in the region are also competing for influence. Russia is losing ground but is still present. Azerbaijan and Turkey are pushing to become the main energy routes to Europe. Iran could offer an alternative route, but working with it would create political problems for the EU.

Even small steps forward are uncertain. The recent restart of rail transport for energy between Azerbaijan and Armenia would have been unthinkable a few years ago. But it depends on fragile political agreements.

For now, this new corridor exists more on paper than in reality. Armenia’s location makes it useful but also difficult: the terrain is challenging, infrastructure is limited, and key decisions are often made outside the country.

The EU seems aware of this. Armenia is not a solution on its own but part of a wider strategy. The goal is simple: build more routes, rely less on any single country, and reduce risk.

Whether that works will depend on a region that Brussels does not control—and cannot stabilise.

Javier Villamor is a Spanish journalist and analyst. Based in Brussels, he covers NATO and EU affairs at europeanconservative.com. Javier has over 17 years of experience in international politics, defense, and security. He also works as a consultant providing strategic insights into global affairs and geopolitical dynamics.

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Belarus Summons Armenian Chargé Over “Unfriendly” Remarks

Hovik Karapetian
The European Conservative
May 6 2026

Belarus Summons Armenian Chargé Over “Unfriendly” Remarks

The dispute between the two countries escalated after Armenian diplomat Alen Simonyan said, “Armenia should not become a [province] and be governed the way Belarus is.”

TEC News
— May 6, 2026

Belarus has summoned Armenia’s Chargé d’Affaires Artur Sargsyan over what it called “unfriendly actions” by Yerevan, marking another escalation in already strained relations between the two Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) member states.

The Belarusian Foreign Ministry did not specify the exact measures it was referring to, but the move followed criticism from Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ruslan Varankov regarding remarks made by Armenian Parliament Speaker Alen Simonyan. Simonyan had said, “Armenia should not become a [province] and be governed the way Belarus is,” a statement interpreted in Minsk as a political provocation.

In response, Varankov said, “the statements by the speaker of the Armenian Parliament are nothing more than electioneering populism and a desperate attempt to distract voters from the country’s dire domestic problems.” He added, “with poverty topping 40%, unemployment soaring, and entire regions stagnating, it is easiest to designate an external adversary and resort to offensive labels. This cynical approach is regrettable.”

He also stressed that “Belarusians and Armenians are bound by strong historical ties,” and expressed hope that Armenia’s leadership would “return to constructive dialogue.”

Simonyan rejected the criticism, saying, “I believe it is the disrespectful attitude toward Armenia, a partner in the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO), and toward Armenian statehood that damages relations.” He also added, “for Armenia, human rights and freedoms are among the highest values, and I think every state chooses its own model. We have chosen the path of democratisation.”

Earlier this week, over 30 European leaders gathered for the European Political Community (EPC) summit in Yerevan, signaling a major geopolitical shift in the South Caucasus.


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Opinion: ‘Strategic partnership with France marks new chapter in Armenia’s his

Karapet Navasardian
JAM News
May 6 2026
  • JAMnews
  • Yerevan

Armenia and France have signed a declaration on strategic partnership. The two countries signed the document on 5 May during French President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to Yerevan.

By signing the document, the two countries said they aimed to contribute to regional and international security, stability and peace by strengthening bilateral ties.

The declaration also says Armenia and France plan to deepen co-operation in several areas, including security and defence.

At the signing ceremony, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan recalled the number of joint programmes Armenia and France had already launched before signing the declaration. He said:

“We can only imagine the achievements and successes that await us after establishing a strategic partnership.”

French President Emmanuel Macron highlighted defence co-operation in particular. He said the document would strengthen the partnership in the defence sector.

“In recent years, we have worked to modernise the armed forces and strengthen Armenia’s sovereignty. This has become an important part of our bilateral relations,” Macron said.

Political analyst Ruben Mehrabyan told JAMnews that the strategic partnership declaration and other agreements signed during Macron’s visit would help Armenia strengthen its military capabilities, improve security and boost development, including in the technology sector.

“This is a very powerful incentive for Armenia to move forward. Recent developments should not only be viewed in the context of Armenia-France relations, but also within the broader framework of Armenia-EU partnership,” he said.

Below are the main provisions of the strategic partnership declaration with France, other bilateral agreements signed during the visit, Macron’s views on Armenia’s European integration and commentary from a political analyst.

  • ‘Building the Future’: Yerevan hosts 8th European Political Community summit
  • ‘Main obstacle to Armenia’s EU integration is frozen EU-Georgia dialogue’ – Pashinyan
  • ‘Deepening ties with US and EU does not mean expelling Russia’ — Armenian foreign minister
  • First Armenia–EU summit in Yerevan adopts 44-point joint declaration

French President Emmanuel Macron also took part in two other major events held in Yerevan this week: the 8th summit of the European Political Community and the 3rd international forum “Yerevan Dialogue”.

On 4 May, Armenia’s presidential residence hosted a dinner in Macron’s honour. Armenia awarded the French president the Order of Glory for his contribution to strengthening friendly ties between the two countries and expanding bilateral co-operation.

Under a decree signed by Macron, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and President Vahagn Khachaturyan received the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour. Napoleon Bonaparte established the award in 1802, and France considers it the country’s highest state distinction.

Main provisions of the declaration

Under the declaration on strategic partnership, Armenia and France plan to significantly expand and deepen relations in the following areas:

  • political dialogue, bilateral and multilateral co-operation,
  • security and defence,
  • economic co-operation and connectivity,
  • global issues,
  • education, science, culture, sport and youth,
  • decentralised co-operation and civil society.

The declaration also says the two countries commit to:

  • developing co-operation in the defence industry,
  • strengthening co-operation in defence research and innovation,
  • deepening co-operation within international organisations on regional and international security issues, as well as other areas of mutual interest,
  • co-operating in international peacekeeping missions,
  • continuing dialogue between their military chiefs of staff.

In the field of security, the declaration also includes co-operation in:

  • artificial intelligence,
  • cyber security,
  • countering disinformation and information manipulation.

Cyber security, semiconductors and helicopter supplies

The two sides also signed several other major agreements covering a wide range of areas, from education and culture to high-tech industries and banking.

In Armenia, the agreements signed with the ministries of high-tech industry and defence drew particular attention.

They included:

  • a document on co-operation in artificial intelligence, cyber security and semiconductors,
  • a memorandum on co-operation in research, development and innovation in military technologies and defence systems,
  • an agreement on the supply of transport helicopters.

Meanwhile, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan highlighted a memorandum of understanding on the construction of the Bargushat Tunnel in Armenia.

“This marks a new stage not only for the North-South highway project, but also for raising construction standards in Armenia’s road sector,” he said.

French President Emmanuel Macron said the agreements would create new opportunities in the years ahead.

‘Only a European future can guarantee peace for Armenia’ — Macron

Journalists asked French President Emmanuel Macron whether he saw Armenia as part of the “strong Europe” he often speaks about. Macron said he did.

He said Europe was not only a political project, but also a matter of geography and history, adding that Armenia had deep European roots.

Speaking about Armenia’s prospects for European integration, Macron said:

“That depends on Armenia’s own choice. At the same time, this is a long and difficult process. I believe we should not wait. Given the current situation in the world, we must act now. This is exactly how we have acted in recent years. We have helped build a broader Europe, and Armenia has moved forward alongside us. Only a European future can guarantee peace for Armenia.”

Commentary

According to political analyst Ruben Mehrabyan, the establishment of a strategic partnership with France marks a historic moment for Armenia and Armenian-French relations.

“This is a new chapter in our history. It opens broad opportunities for Armenia not only in bilateral relations with France, but also within the Armenia-European Union partnership and the wider Armenia-Europe framework,” he said.

Mehrabyan believes Europe is currently undergoing a transformation. In his view, the European Union is evolving from an economic and political alliance into a military-political actor.

The analyst also argued that France had taken on the role of a “driving force” behind Armenia’s European integration.

“Paris is playing this role in every sphere: ideological, political, economic and military. This is extremely important for Armenia’s foreign policy. At the same time, it provides a serious incentive for domestic reforms. We must understand that European integration is simply impossible without reforms,” he explained.

Mehrabyan attached particular importance to the events held in Yerevan earlier this week, including the 8th summit of the European Political Community and the first Armenia-EU summit. He believes Europe used the events to express “solidarity and support” for Armenia’s pro-European reforms and political direction.

“At the same time, Europe expressed solidarity with Armenia’s resistance to all those who want to undermine our statehood and conquer Armenia once again,” the analyst added.

He said it was clear to him that Russia viewed Armenia as a temporarily lost territory and saw the elections due in June as an opportunity to regain influence.

“In the course of this resistance, Armenia needed support and received it. These major European events should be seen as a message in defence of Armenian democracy and statehood,” he said.

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