Armenia’s financial system continued to grow throughout 2025, maintaining a high capacity to withstand shocks, Central Bank Governor Martin Galstyan has said.

Presenting the 2025 Financial Stability Report, Galstyan said growth was recorded across all sectors of the system.

According to him, the assets of the banking system continue to account for the majority of the financial system’s total assets—around 82%.

Galstyan added that pension funds rank second in terms of asset size, with a 9.3% share, and their assets have grown faster than those of all other segments.

In 2025, the banking system’s loan portfolio to the economy grew by about 23%, while deposits in the banking system increased by 13%.

Over the past three years, loan growth has almost twice exceeded annual deposit growth. This means that the high demand for credit in the economy has also been financed using the banking system’s capital, Galstyan said.

He noted that high growth rates were recorded in both household and business lending.

According to the Central Bank Governor, the strong expansion of lending has mainly been driven by robust income growth in the economy. In the case of mortgage lending, a natural slowdown in growth rates has been observed, while the volume of new disbursements has continued to remain high.

The Central Bank chief emphasized that in the lending process, it is important to properly assess borrowers’ debt burden and their ability to service it. This assessment should take into account not only the current macroeconomic environment but also risk estimates derived from potential pessimistic scenarios.

He added that amid economic income growth and high lending activity, the share of non-performing loans and credit losses has remained at a low level.

Speaking about the real estate market, Galstyan noted that in 2025 there has been a relative stabilization in demand, as well as a slowdown in price growth trends.

He also stated that the price-to-rent ratio for residential real estate in Armenia has increased, which could reduce the investment attractiveness of real estate. In recent years, there has been some slight growth in prices, while rental rates have declined.

Galstyan said that in recent years, the strong growth in lending to the construction sector and the continuous increase in the area of residential buildings commissioned could, in the context of a gradual saturation of real estate demand, create risks of excess supply and an increase in credit losses on construction loans.

He added that, by year-end, the banking system recorded high profitability, mainly driven by the growth of net interest income, which is largely the result of increased volumes amid expanding financial intermediation. The banking system’s capital adequacy ratio remained at a high level.

Galstyan also emphasized that in 2025, among financial stability risks, those stemming from high global political and economic uncertainty continue to be dominant.

He noted that in 2026, the ongoing conflict in the Middle East has caused a significant negative supply shock to the global economy, leading to a sharp rise in energy prices and increased volatility in financial markets. According to assessments, even if the conflict ends, the world will continue to feel its effects for several months.

Among domestic risks, he stressed that the potential accumulation of credit risks due to high growth rates in lending remains a key concern.

The Economic Activity Indicator (EAI) in Armenia increased by 7.1% in April 2026 compared to the same month last year, and by 6% compared to the previous month, according to a government press release.

During the reporting period, compared to the same period last year, key sectors of the economy grew as follows:

 • Construction: 24.7%

 • Industry: 11.7%

 • Services: 9.1%

 • Trade turnover: 0.1%

In April 2026, Armenia’s foreign trade turnover declined by 13.8% year-on-year. Exports fell by 25.9%, while imports decreased by 5.8%.

During the same period, consumer price inflation stood at 5.3% year-on-year, according to the press release.

The Central Bank of Armenia informs “Armenpress” that today, 25 May, USD exchange rate up by 0.04 drams to 368.01 drams. EUR exchange rate up by 1.74 drams to 428.44 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate down by 0.0282 drams to 5.1334 drams. GBP exchange rate up by 2.52 drams to 496.45 drams.

The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals.

Gold price up by 17 drams to 53316 drams.

The International Astronomical Union’s Conference on Astronomy for Education and Public Outreach (CAP2026) opened in the Armenian capital on May 25.

The conference has brought together specialists in astronomy communication and public outreach from nearly every continent, who arrived in Armenia to exchange experience, develop professional skills and create new opportunities for cooperation.

The topics under discussion mainly focus on science journalism, the application of artificial intelligence in astronomy communication, social media, public educational astronomy programmes and modern tools for science popularisation.

The conference in Yerevan is attended by 85 delegates from 34 countries, while the number of participants joining remotely is nearly three times higher. In total, 213 delegates from 56 countries are involved in the conference.

Participants were welcomed by Areg Mickaelian, director of the Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory, who wished them productive work and also spoke about the public significance of astronomy and the importance of promoting the field, particularly in the current era of rapid technological development. He noted that Armenia is hosting a conference of this kind for the first time, adding that the event is held every two years.

“Astronomy popularisation encompasses various professional fields, including science journalism, particularly astronomical journalism, scientific tourism, educational programmes and others. Accordingly, the conference is attended not only by astronomers, but also by specialists from other sectors. The topics discussed are primarily related to the popularisation of astronomy through modern technologies, including artificial intelligence. Various applications and platforms have been presented. The RingCentral remote communication platform being used allows participants to simultaneously follow events and discussions taking place in three different halls,” he told Armenpress.

Among the first day’s presentations, Mickaelian highlighted the speech by Pamela Gay of the United States, which focused on the use of artificial intelligence methods in science communication.

He also noted that work will soon begin on officially naming various stars after prominent Armenian scientists or locations associated with astronomy. For that purpose, the Armenian side will apply to the relevant commission of the International Astronomical Union.

The international conference will conclude on May 29.

Armenia has previously hosted seven conferences of the International Astronomical Union dedicated to various topics.

Armenia will host the “European Archaeology Days” event from June 12 to 14, the country’s Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports said.

According to the ministry, the three-day programme will take place at various archaeological sites, reserve-museums, museums and other cultural venues across the country.

A number of organisations engaged in archaeology in Armenia have joined the initiative, including the Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography of the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia, the Scientific Research Center for Historical and Cultural Heritage, the History Museum of Armenia, the local lore museums of Lori-Pambak, Dilijan and Yeghegnadzor, as well as the Yerevan History Museum. The events are intended for all age groups and for those interested in archaeology.

This will be the fourth consecutive year that Armenia has taken part in the “European Archaeology Days” initiative.

The programme offers the public an opportunity to explore the field of archaeology through visits to excavation sites and archaeological research centres. Meetings with archaeologists and restorers of archaeological finds will also be organised, alongside a range of educational activities, including excavations, exhibitions, workshops and hiking tours.

Since 2010, France’s Ministry of Culture has entrusted the coordination and promotion of the “European Archaeology Days” initiative to the National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research (Inrap).

India’s Ministry of External Affairs is offering sector-specific training courses for 2026-2027 under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme, Armenia’s Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports said.

According to the ministry, the courses are conducted throughout the year, and information about them is continuously available on  the ITEC website. Candidates meeting the requirements for the courses offered during the given period may register through the relevant link.

In addition to online registration, applicants are required to download and complete the full application package, including a copy of the passport, medical certificate, language proficiency certificate and a letter of recommendation issued by the relevant department for the candidate.

Completed applications for participation in the courses, including original documents, must be submitted to Armenia’s Foreign Ministry together with the recommendation letter issued by the presenting department, in order for the package to be forwarded to the Embassy of India in Armenia.

Applications must be submitted to the embassy through Armenia’s Foreign Ministry at least 60 days before the start of the courses in order to avoid the unavailability of allocated places due to late submission.

For additional information regarding the courses, includingcontent-related and technical matters, as well as questions related tocompleting the application form, applicants are advised to contact anemployee of the Embassy of India in Armenia via the following emailaddress: [email protected].