Armenia’s economic activity index increased by 7.9% in January-June 2026 compared with the same period of the previous year, according to macroeconomic indicators published by the Statistical Committee of Armenia.

In the first half of the year, construction increased by 24.5% to AMD 282.2 billion. Industrial output rose by 10.8% to AMD 1.5225 trillion, while the volume of services, excluding trade, increased by 11% to AMD 2.1486 trillion.

Trade turnover increased by 0.9% to AMD 3.1559 trillion. Electricity generation rose by 10% to 5.1637 billion kWh.

At the same time, gross agricultural output decreased by 11.9% to AMD 310.1 billion.

Foreign trade turnover amounted to $9.5709 billion, down 0.1%. Exports decreased by 6.7% to $3.4313 billion, while imports increased by 4% to $6.1396 billion.

The average monthly nominal salary increased by 5.5% to AMD 310,787. The consumer price index stood at 4.6% in January-June 2026.

More than AMD 500 million has been saved as a result of a tender for the purchase of 25,000 electronic meters by Electric Networks of Armenia (ENA), the company’s temporary administrator Romanos Petrosyan said in a post on Facebook.

According to Petrosyan, the tender was won by the same company, part of the Tashir Group of Companies, that had supplied meters to ENA in recent years.

Petrosyan said that this time the supplier lowered its proposed price during the bidding process because another major electrical engineering manufacturer operating in Armenia also participated in the open tender.

“Since the legitimate intervention by the state and the start of temporary administration at ENA, this is, in my view, the clearest and most telling fact reaffirming the urgent necessity and justification of the ongoing processes for our country and people,” Petrosyan wrote.

According to figures provided by Petrosyan, ENA’s annual procurement plan had allocated around AMD 2 billion for the purchase of 25,000 meters, while the estimated value of the tender was around AMD 1.944 billion.

Following the bidding process, the winning company offered to supply the same quantity for AMD 1.430 billion.

As a result, more than AMD 500 million was saved compared with the tender’s estimated value.

Petrosyan said the funds saved would be reallocated to urgent modernisation work on the distribution network in one of the communities experiencing frequent outages.

A total of 1,041,598 tourists visited Armenia in January-June 2026, an increase of 14.8% compared with the same period of the previous year, according to data published by the Statistical Committee of Armenia.

In the first half of 2025, 907,135 tourists visited Armenia. The figure therefore increased by 134,463 over the course of a year.

The total number of overnight stays by tourists stood at 31,344,263, while the average duration of a visit was 30 days. In the same period of the previous year, the average duration was 31 days.

Of the tourists who visited Armenia, 597,668 were men and 443,930 were women. The largest age group was those aged 36 to 63, numbering 544,984 people.

At the same time, the number of tourists travelling from Armenia abroad decreased by 8.3%, from 748,331 to 686,277. The average duration of their trips abroad increased from 36 to 39 days.

An event dedicated to Builder’s Day and the 30th anniversary of the Union of Builders of Armenia was held in Yerevan. The event was organised by the Urban Development Committee and the Union of Builders of Armenia.

Armenian Deputy Prime Minister Tigran Khachatryan said in his remarks that cooperation between construction companies and the government had undergone significant changes in recent years.

“Three or four years ago, when we spoke with construction companies, the main issues were discussed in the context of why a particular company had been unable to fulfil its commitment to complete construction on time. Today, as we sum up the government’s 2021-2026 programme, we have recorded that all our agreements with companies this year under one of the largest programmes, ‘300 Schools, 500 Kindergartens’, have been successfully implemented in accordance with the plan. This is the result of construction companies’ responsible approach to their work and the considerable work they have carried out, which would have been impossible without mobilisation and increasing their own capacities. We therefore appreciate what has been achieved,” Khachatryan said.

He added that a new programme to build 300 schools had already been launched. Construction work on at least 76 schools is under way, with completion scheduled for 2027-2028.

“During this year, we must finalise the list concerning the next 300 schools so that the work is completed by at least 2030. These are mainly large-scale construction projects that require three years to implement. We are confident that we will not encounter problems in this regard, as everything is proceeding in the prescribed manner and according to plan. The budget is the main benchmark with which we begin and conclude our discussions. In addition to the above, we also have programmes for 100 new kindergartens and preschool institutions, 100 sports and cultural institutions and sports grounds, 30 vocational education institutions, and 50 healthcare organisations. In each of the next three years, investment in schools and kindergartens alone will amount to around AMD 150 billion annually,” Khachatryan said.

He noted that this was an unprecedented figure, as just four years ago annual spending in this area did not exceed AMD 20 billion.

Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport Zhanna Andreasyan said in her remarks that the direct impact of construction and its quality on citizens’ quality of life was evident.

“The new institutions being built are shaping an environment in which construction becomes a factor affecting the quality of life of our children. Therefore, the work we are doing together is not simply about creating infrastructure, but about shaping prospects for life, the results of which we will see tomorrow. The conscientious work of builders demonstrates that infrastructure development is, in fact, strategic and crucial. Through these large-scale construction works, we are building new experience,” Andreasyan said.

She added that preparations were now being discussed for the FIFA U-20 World Cup, which would require the construction of new stadiums meeting UEFA Category 4 standards. According to her, this is something Armenia has not undertaken since gaining independence.

“This is a challenge for our construction sector, but also a very good opportunity to enter a new field that will open up a new path for the construction industry as well. The same applies to the Academic City project, which, in the new phase of the government programme, will move consistently towards decisive implementation,” the minister said.

Urban Development Committee Chairman Yeghiazar Vardanyan said the Union of Builders, founded during a difficult period for newly independent Armenia, had become a platform for raising issues facing the sector, professional discussions and joint action.

“Construction continues to lead Armenia’s economic activity indicators. According to data for the first half of 2026, it grew by 24.5% compared with the same period of 2025, reaching AMD 282.2 billion. Tax revenues paid to the state budget by the construction sector have also increased. In the first half of 2026, they amounted to AMD 126.4 billion, up 22% compared with the same period of 2025. Thank you for your conscientious and responsible approach. The success of every builder is a success for our entire sector,” Vardanyan said.

According to Vardanyan, the Urban Development Committee has significantly accelerated and simplified procedures for obtaining permits and other documentation from the design stage through to completion. For multi-apartment residential complexes, it is now possible to obtain completion documents in stages.

“We will soon achieve the automatic issuance of completion certificates. A rating system for participants in the sector has been launched, and a new construction pricing policy has been approved. Recognising the importance of sustainable and green construction, the Urban Development Committee has approved a list of international certification systems whose voluntary application will soon be encouraged through specific mechanisms. One of our upcoming priorities will be raising the standard of technical supervision through the use of digital systems. Other priority areas will include renovation of the housing stock and adoption of a law regulating development activities, which has been drafted jointly with several government bodies and the Armenian Association of Developers,” Vardanyan said.

Vahan Harutyunyan, President of the Union of Builders of Armenia, said that over the previous 30 years the country had overcome numerous challenges, including the earthquake, the difficulties of the first years of independence, economic crises and wars, but each time builders had been among the first not only to restore what had been destroyed but also to create new value.

“Today, construction continues to be one of the driving forces of Armenia’s economy. Official statistics show that the sector has recorded consistently high growth rates in recent years, investment is expanding, and both public and private construction projects are becoming more active. This is an important indicator of confidence in our economy, our professionals and the prospects for Armenia’s development. However, growing volumes are not only an achievement for us, but also a major responsibility,” Harutyunyan said.

He said the sector’s current priorities include continuously improving construction quality, ensuring occupational safety, introducing modern technologies and digital solutions, developing energy-efficient and sustainable construction, and creating a competitive construction environment.

During the event, leading representatives of organisations in the construction sector and distinguished builders were awarded medals and certificates of appreciation.

The initial hearing in the trial of Armenian Apostolic Church Catholicos Karekin II and six other high-ranking archbishops — members of the Supreme Spiritual Council — has begun in a court in Vagharshapat, a city in Armavir Province that is home to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.

Catholicos Karekin II and the other archbishops are attending the hearing, which is being presided over by Judge Hakob Manukyan.

The judge said the court would proceed behind closed doors because information related to private matters could be disclosed during the hearings.

Representatives of opposition political forces gathered outside the courtroom in a show of solidarity with the Catholicos.

Catholicos Karekin II has been charged with obstructing the enforcement of a legally binding court ruling by using his official powers in his capacity as both Catholicos and Chairman of the Supreme Spiritual Council.

On January 10, 2026, by order of Karekin II, Bishop Gevorg Saroyan, the Primate of the Diocese of Masyatsotn, was removed from his position as diocesan leader.

Bishop Gevorg Saroyan challenged the decision to remove him from office in court. On January 17, the court ruled to reinstate him as the Primate of the Diocese until a final judicial decision is issued in the case.

Charges have been brought against the Catholicos and six bishops for failing to comply with the court’s ruling. The clergy members have denied any wrongdoing, arguing that the court does not have jurisdiction over such matters.

In addition to Karekin II, charges have also been filed against Archbishop Natan Hovhannisyan, Bishop Hovnan Hakobyan, Bishop Makar Hakobyan, Bishop Mushegh Babayan, Archbishop Haykazun Najaryan, and Bishop Vahan Hovhannisyan.

The judge handling the criminal case involving Catholicos Karekin II and six other bishops has recused himself, lawyer Ara Zohrabyan told reporters, shortly after the hearing began.

“You know that at the initial stage of court proceedings, motions regarding a judge’s disqualification or recusal are considered. Judge Hakob Manukyan recused himself and refused to hear the case,” Zohrabyan said.

The judge cited as the basis for his recusal the fact that he had received his license to practice law from Ara Zohrabyan, who at the time was serving as president of the Chamber of Advocates of Armenia.

“He was a lawyer, and I personally issued his license to practice law. In my personal opinion, this was not grounds for recusal, but the judge, taking into account that it could raise doubts, decided to recuse himself,” Zohrabyan explained.

He added that the criminal case would be assigned to another judge, who would schedule a new hearing.

Catholicos Karekin II has been charged with obstructing the enforcement of a legally binding court ruling by using his official powers in his capacity as both Catholicos and Chairman of the Supreme Spiritual Council.

On January 10, 2026, by order of Karekin II, Bishop Gevorg Saroyan, the Primate of the Diocese of Masyatsotn, was removed from his position as diocesan leader.

Bishop Gevorg Saroyan challenged the decision to remove him from office in court. On January 17, the court ruled to reinstate him as the Primate of the Diocese until a final judicial decision is issued in the case.

Charges have been brought against the Catholicos and six bishops for failing to comply with the court’s ruling. The clergy members have denied any wrongdoing, arguing that the court does not have jurisdiction over such matters.

The United Kingdom, France, Germany and Italy have condemned Russia’s continued military presence in Abkhazia and South Ossetia, calling on Moscow to fully implement the commitments it made in 2008, according to a joint statement by the governments of the four countries.

“We reiterate our condemnation of Russia’s continued military presence in the occupied breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, in violation of international law and of Russia’s commitments under the six-point agreement of August 12, 2008,” the statement said.

The four countries called on Russia to fully implement the commitments it made on August 12 and September 8, 2008.

The statement also reaffirmed support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. According to the four countries, Russia’s continued militarisation of Georgian territories poses a serious threat to Georgia’s security, as well as to regional and European stability.