An agreement on the defense industry ecosystem will be signed in Ankara

 


Leaders of NATO member states will sign a memorandum on the defense industry ecosystem at the July 7-8 summit in Ankara and confirm commitments to increase defense spending to 5% of their GDP by 2035. These agreements will be reflected in the communique to be adopted as a result of the meeting, Hürriyet newspaper reports.


According to the pro-Turkish government periodical, NATO member states will also confirm their commitment to the fifth article on the collective defense of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, according to which an attack on one or more members of the alliance is considered an attack on all its members. In addition, the document will present a list of threats to NATO, express support for Ukraine and provide financial assistance to it.


Hürriyet writes that three events will be held on the first day of the summit in Ankara. In particular, there will be a working dinner of foreign ministers in the format of the NATO-Ukraine Council. Defense ministers of NATO countries will also meet with representatives of Japan, the Republic of Korea, Australia and New Zealand. And the President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, will give an official reception in honor of the leaders of the alliance countries participating in the summit. In addition to the participants of the high-level meeting, the leaders of the countries of the Asia-Pacific region, the heads of the European Union structures and Vladimir Zelensky are invited to it.

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In the case of publishing a state secret, a criminal investigation was initiated. CC:

During the preliminary investigation of the criminal proceedings being investigated in the main department of the investigation of crimes against the state, the foundations of the constitutional order and public security of the RA Investigative Committee, apparently, factual data was obtained that E.M., being the commander of the N military unit of the RA Ministry of Defense, with the rank of colonel, not having the right to access the relevant information containing state secrets, the officer in charge of the confidentiality regime of the N military unit of the RA Ministry of Defense, having the right to access the information containing state secrets, incited R.J. published information containing a state secret, and then published the information containing the said state secret obtained by him illegally. This is reported by the Central Committee of the Republic of Armenia.


“A public criminal prosecution has been initiated against E.M. under Part 1 of Article 426 of the Criminal Code (publication by a person who illegally obtained information containing state secrets) and Part 1 of Article 46-427 (inciting to publish information containing state secrets), and against RJ under Part 1 of Article 427 (publication of information containing state secrets).


During the preliminary investigation of the criminal proceedings, E.M. and R.J. were arrested, and a petition was submitted to the court regarding their arrest as a preventive measure.


The investigation is ongoing,” the message reads.

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Exporters of greenhouse products will also receive support in July

The RA government made a decision in its session today, July 2, by which it will provide support for the export of greenhouse-produced fresh fruits and vegetables and flowers for July as well.



“With the decision, the problems related to the export of certain products of greenhouse production will be alleviated to a certain extent, an opportunity will be given to diversify the export markets, which will contribute to ensuring the normal activity of the organizations”, – it is said in the justification of the decision.



The government notes that in July, cherry tomatoes were added to the list of products subject to compensation, and the amount of compensation for flowers exported to EU member states, Great Britain, the United Kingdom of Northern Ireland, or Switzerland was increased.


The analysis of export dynamics showed that in 2026 During the month of July, within the framework of the event, the estimated export volume will be about 150 tons of strawberries, about 3900 tons of vegetables and about 5.2 million flowers.


Thus, from the territory of RA in 2026 During the month of July, economic operators exporting individual products of greenhouse production will be given compensation in the following amounts:


770 drams for each 1 kg of strawberries


275 drams for each 1 kg of tomatoes


400 drams for each 1 kg of cherry tomatoes


400 drams for every 1 kg of pepper


37 drams for each flower (and 50 drams for each flower exported to EU member states, Great Britain, the United Kingdom of Northern Ireland or Switzerland).


By the way, in June, according to the operational information provided by the SATM, about 784 tons of pepper, 208 tons of tomatoes, 109 tons of strawberries, about 3.5 million fruits and 35 tons of flowers were exported.


Let’s remind that in May “Rosselkhoznadzor” imposed restrictions on flowers imported from Armenia, as well as fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, greens and strawberries.

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A new manifestation of the atmosphere of pressure and fear towards citizens. “An arm of unity

The “Wings of Unity” party warns about the new manifestation of the atmosphere of pressure and fear towards the citizens.


The distributed statement says: “Employees of the anti-corruption committee called the owners of the offices of the “Unity Wings” party and demanded to submit lease contracts, which are already in the Central Election Commission. These actions began immediately after the study we presented to the Constitutional Court, which inevitably raises questions about their purpose and timing.


As far as we know, committee officials have contacted a number of owners, requesting contracts and other information. As a result, people who have not committed any offense and are simply in legal contractual relations with the party, have found themselves in an incomprehensible situation.


Many people have told us that they are worried after such calls and do not understand why they came to the attention of the law enforcement agency.


Why was the path chosen, which creates not only anxiety, but also an atmosphere of fear and threat among the citizens? This way of working deepens the perception that the government continues to move along the same lines of the policy of fear and threat, exerting psychological pressure not only on political forces but also on legal citizens through law enforcement agencies.


Let’s remind that during the examination of the applications of seven political forces in the Constitutional Court, the results of the study presented by Liparit Drmeyan showed that 130 immovable properties included in the CP’s declaration were provided to that party for free use. The free use of these properties should have been declared at market value, while the study shows that the declared values ​​differ significantly from the rental values ​​of similar properties of both KP and other parties.


Actions started immediately after the publication of these facts, regardless of their stated purpose, objectively raise questions. It is difficult to ignore the sequence of events, when not only the political power, but also the citizens cooperating with it appear in the focus of the attention of the law enforcement body after public statements on sensitive topics for the government in the Constitutional Court. When law-abiding citizens become the targets of law enforcement actions, it inevitably creates an atmosphere of fear and deepens the concern that the government continues to use tools of political influence and pressure.


The “Unity Wings” party demands that the Anti-Corruption Committee clarify to the public why it was necessary to request documents from citizens. We also expect that all state bodies will act exclusively within the framework of the law, excluding any action that could be perceived as political pressure or an attempt to exert influence on those expressing opinions inconvenient to the government.


We will be consistent in this matter and will continue to protect not only the rights of our party, but also the rights of every citizen. they cannot become indirect targets of political processes.

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The Government of Armenia approved a new procedure for restoring the driver’s license

Photo: sputnik

At the session of July 2, the Armenian government approved the new, thoroughly digitalized procedure for issuing, suspending and restoring driver’s licenses, which aims to simplify administration, eliminate queues and exclude the abuse of legislative loopholes.


With the new model coming into effect on July 6, those citizens whose driving license has expired will have the opportunity to apply for its restoration within one year by paying a state fee of fifty thousand drams on the spot. Minister of Internal Affairs Arpine Sargsyan Prime Minister during the discussion of the presented project Nikol Pashinyan has clarified that this regulation will not apply to persons who have been deprived of their driving license by court judgments that have entered into force.


One of the key points of the new changes is the automated integration with the “Armed” electronic health system. This mechanism will allow automatically, without the need to visit the examination unit, to suspend the driver’s license of persons registered in psychiatric or narcotic institutions.


At the same time, digital control will solve the problem of citizens exempted from mandatory military service due to health problems, but driving cars. in the presence of an illness incompatible with driving, the right to operate a vehicle will be immediately blocked in the person’s profile.


The legislative package also implies a significant improvement in the conduct of driving tests. Taking into account the large flow of applicants, queue management problems and study periods in driving schools, the retention period for a positive result of the theory test will become two years instead of the existing one year. In addition, new questionnaires adapted to the category and subcategory of the vehicle will be introduced from September 1.


This approach will exclude, for example, asking the driver of a light passenger car questions about driving buses, making the examination process more logical and justified.

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RA railways will serve the state. What is next for the Russian concession?

Photo: Factor.am

The railway network of Armenia is the absolute property of the state and must serve exclusively the national interests of the country. This was announced by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in a briefing with journalists after the government session on July 2, referring to the ongoing developments in infrastructure management and restoration.


Referring to the new programs, the head of the government noted. “We have started the processes aimed at the restoration of the railway in the Gyumri-Akhurik and Yeraskh sections, and we will carry out these works.” Speaking about the continuation of working discussions with Russia, Pashinyan emphasized that the state is not going to change its position and just watch the international transport flows, which may enter but bypass Armenia, as an observer.


Answering the question regarding the possibility of the government taking over the management of the railway for the purpose of repair, the Prime Minister emphasized. “Let’s record that it is our railway. It is the property of the Republic of Armenia, and we must manage our property. I can definitely say one thing. railways are the property of the Republic of Armenia and must serve the interests of the Republic of Armenia. It cannot be otherwise,” he noted, adding that the “South Caucasus Railway” company is informed and involved in all processes.


It should be noted that the issue of transferring the right of concession management of the railway network of Armenia from the Russian side to another friendly country, specifically to Kazakhstan, is being actively discussed recently. Consultations and negotiations on this topic have intensified in recent months with the aim of diversifying the management of strategic infrastructures, improving the quality of service and attracting new investments.


This perspective, however, received a very negative response in Russia. Moscow views such a possibility as an attempt to weaken Armenian-Russian economic and strategic ties, expressing its displeasure and concern regarding the possible expulsion of Russian capital and economic influence from the strategic objects of the South Caucasus.

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Verelq: An Export Support Agency will be established in Armenia. Nicole Pa

Photo: golosarmenii.am

An Export Support Agency will be established in Armenia. This was announced by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan during the briefing following the government session on July 2, speaking about the 18 million euro support program provided by the European Union, which also provides for the creation of an Export Support Agency. 


Referring to the 18 million euro support program provided by the European Union, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan during the briefing, he emphasized that the executive did not wait for the provision of external financing to farmers affected by Russia’s trade restrictions and has already initiated the formation of the relevant infrastructure. “That support is being implemented. The process of forming the export support agency is underway, it will be formed in the near future,” the head of the government announced.


Earlier, the president of the European Commission announced details about the financial component of the newly created agency Ursula von der Leyenduring a joint press conference with the Prime Minister, emphasizing the importance of developing the export capabilities of Armenian business. “You will soon receive an additional €18 million to help diversify your trade. This funding can, for example, help to create an export promotion agency,” the EC president noted, adding that the amount provided is the final part of the aid package with a total cost of 52 million euros discussed in July.


Here is the Armenian translation of the text you provided.


“Rosselkhoznadzor has imposed restrictions on the import of all sub-quarantine products originating and delivered from Armenia to Russia since June 12. The transit of such goods through the territory of Russia to the member states of the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) has also been banned.


Against the background of the applied measures, the Armenian authorities have started negotiations with the Russian side. On May 29, the RA Food Safety Inspection Body reported on the work being done to find out the reasons for the restrictions and settle the situation. Later, the Prime Minister of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan, announced his readiness to compensate the damages of the farmers affected by the restrictions on the export of products to Russia. On June 11, RA Minister of Economy Gevorg Papoyan reported that Yerevan appealed to the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) due to the obstacles that arose during the export of its goods to Russia.


The restrictions are introduced against the background of ongoing disagreements between Moscow and Yerevan. Armenia continues to be a member of EAEU, but in parallel, it has taken a course towards rapprochement with the European Union. At the beginning of 2025, the authorities of the republic approved the bill on starting the European integration process.


Russia has repeatedly stated that simultaneous movement towards the EU and participation in the EAEU is impossible. In his turn, Nikol Pashinyan stated that the issue of leaving the EAEU is not on the agenda, but the final decision on the country’s foreign policy course can only be taken through a referendum.


According to the results of the EAEU summit held in Astana in May, the leaders of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan advocated holding a nationwide referendum in Armenia on the issue of choosing a course to remain in the EAEU or join the European Union.

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EU wants to help Armenia diversify its energy supplies

Politics14:57, 2 July 2026
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The European Union wants to help Armenia diversify its energy supplies, and a team of EU experts will arrive in the country next week to support those efforts.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen made the remarks during a joint press conference with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in Yerevan on July 2, responding to a question on whether the European Union is prepared to assist Armenia if Russia uses natural gas prices as a tool of political pressure, given the country’s heavy dependence on Russian gas supplies.

“When it comes to energy, you need a comprehensive and multi-layered strategic approach. Just as we are helping Armenia diversify its trade, which will strengthen the country’s resilience, we also want to help Armenia diversify its energy supplies. That is why a team of experts from the European Union will travel to Armenia next week. We have extensive experience in situations like this. We have seen it in Ukraine, we have seen it in Moldova, and we as the European Union have also experienced elements of such situations. So we have considerable expertise in helping countries diversify their energy supplies,” von der Leyen said.

She added that the EU is also contributing to regional energy security through electricity interconnections, stressing that new routes must be built while regional energy networks are strengthened.

“This includes a €25 million investment under the Caucasus Transmission Network project. We are also supporting a significant expansion of Armenia’s renewable energy generation. This is locally produced energy. It is your energy resource, produced here in Armenia, and it gives you independence, energy security, and greater resilience. So we are here to support you in a situation that we know very well,” the President of the European Commission said.

On May 28, the Armenian Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure received, through the Russian Embassy in Armenia, a letter from Russian Energy Minister Sergei Tsivilev warning that Russia could suspend or unilaterally terminate the agreement signed in December 2013 if Armenia continues pursuing EU membership.

The agreement concerns cooperation in the supply of natural gas, petroleum products, and rough natural diamonds, and also serves as the framework under which the price of Russian natural gas supplied to Armenia is determined.

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Published by Armenpress, original at 
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EU membership could become Armenia’s next objective after meeting EU standards

Politics15:39, 2 July 2026
Read the article in: English

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said the European Union has long been Armenia’s number one partner in implementing democratic reforms.

Pashinyan made the remarks during a meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, responding to a journalist’s question on how he views the further deepening of Armenia-EU relations in light of the continued high-level political dialogue and the recently signed strategic partnership document, and whether this could affect Armenia’s balanced foreign policy.

“The European Union has long been Armenia’s number one partner in democratic reforms-indeed, even before the 2018 revolution. The question is how effectively and sincerely that agenda was implemented.

Following the elections, I believe this is also an important opportunity for us to restart Armenia’s democratic reform agenda. Throughout the previous period, we remained committed to this path, but it was constantly accompanied by major challenges-COVID, war, and the post-war situation. In practice, we have not had the opportunity to focus fully on a comprehensive democratic reform agenda.

The elections, this new phase, the new level and scope of our relations with the European Union have created a historic opportunity for us. We have clearly stated our strategy. Our first priority is to achieve full, sincere, and comprehensive compliance with European Union standards. This is the first strategic objective we must accomplish. Once that is achieved, the issue of becoming a full member of the European Union could become a concrete objective for implementation. That, however, is already a political question.

As I have said before, once we fully and genuinely meet European Union standards, we will have the opportunity to become a full member of the European Union. But this is also a political issue that depends on many different factors. If we succeed in becoming an EU member, it will be a major achievement. If, for some reason-for example, if the European Union decides not to enlarge any further-we will still have gained significantly, because we will be a country that fully meets European Union standards,” the prime minister said.

He added that this effort is not being undertaken for the European Union but for the citizens of the Republic of Armenia and for Armenia itself, stressing that this is the strategic objective pursued by the Armenian authorities.

Pashinyan also referred to the new opportunities emerging with the opening of regional transport routes.

“During the election campaign, I repeatedly said that the Republic of Armenia is transforming from a deadlock of conflict into a Crossroads of Peace. This is a historic development, and we are grateful to the European Union for its consistent and unwavering support for the Republic of Armenia and its people in these efforts. We highly appreciate that support.

Looking back now, it is remarkable how rapidly relations between the Republic of Armenia and the European Union have developed over the past few years. There is no indication that this pace will slow, and I am very pleased about that,” Pashinyan concluded.

Read the article in: English

Published by Armenpress, original at 
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Armenian Security Council secretary and Ursula von der Leyen’s diplomatic advi

Politics16:24, 2 July 2026
Read the article in: EspañolفارسیՀայերենქართულიRussianTürkçe

Armenian Security Council Secretary Armen Grigoryan has received Simon Mordue, diplomatic adviser to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

According to a statement issued by the Armenian Security Council Office, the sides discussed the progress of the development of bilateral relations between Armenia and the European Union, focusing on the priorities of the partnership agenda.

In particular, they underscored the importance of deepening cooperation in the energy sector and expanding trade and economic ties.

The sides also exchanged views on regional and international security issues.

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Published by Armenpress, original at 
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