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.

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.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has ruled out the possibility of a repeat of the 2013 scenario, when Armenia abruptly abandoned its rapprochement with the European Union amid Russian pressure.

Pashinyan addressed the issue during a joint press conference with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, responding to a journalist’s question on whether he could rule out a repeat of the events of 2013.

In September 2013, then-President Serzh Sargsyan announced after a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow that Armenia intended to join the Customs Union, which later became the Eurasian Economic Union. The announcement came after Armenia had concluded negotiations on an Association Agreement with the European Union, which the sides had planned to sign at the Eastern Partnership Summit in Vilnius in November 2013. The Association Agreement was ultimately not signed, and Armenia and the EU later signed the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement instead.

“Let me first address the question of whether I rule out a repeat of the 2013 situation, when Armenia, in one night or two, abandoned the agreed process of signing the Association Agreement with the European Union and decided instead to move towards the Eurasian Economic Union or the Customs Union. My answer is short and clear: yes, I rule it out. It is not possible, especially now that the people of the Republic of Armenia have clearly expressed their support for the policies pursued by the Republic of Armenia, particularly its balanced and balancing foreign policy.

At the same time, as we have repeatedly stated, we have never sought, do not seek and will not seek to create a crisis in Armenia’s relations with Russia. We act in accordance with our country’s interests. Naturally, we do not disregard the interests of any of our international partners, but neither can we place the interests of any other partner above those of the Republic of Armenia. I believe this is a logical approach for any country,” the prime minister said. 

Pashinyan also commented on his July 1 telephone conversation with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.

 Asked what issues had been discussed during the call, Pashinyan replied:

“The scope of the discussion was reflected in the official statement. We agreed that we would hold more detailed discussions in the near future.” 

On July 1, the Armenian Prime Minister’s Office said Pashinyan and Mishustin had discussed items on the Armenia-Russia bilateral agenda, including cooperation in the trade and economic, scientific and technological, and cultural and humanitarian fields.

The European Commission has decided to introduce autonomous trade measures for a wide range of goods exported from Armenia, allowing part of those products to enter the European Union duty-free, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said at a government meeting.

According to Pashinyan, the initiative will cover around 80% of Armenia’s potential exports.

“The duty-free export regime will apply to about 99% of agricultural products, as well as around 90% of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. The final list of products is yet to be determined,” he said.

The prime minister noted that the decision still requires approval by EU member states, while the European Parliament must adopt the relevant resolution, a process that will take time.

“At the political level, the issue has essentially been resolved. Now we need to work with the private sector so that we can fully benefit from these opportunities in practical terms as well,” Pashinyan added.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen paid a working visit to Armenia on July 2, during which she held talks with Prime Minister Pashinyan.

Armenia is working with the European Union on the issue of unblocking regional communications, particularly on the implementation of the northern route, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan told reporters.

According to the prime minister, studies have shown that the shortest East-West route passes through Armenia’s Tavush, Lori and Shirak provinces.

“We are working with the European Union on the implementation of this project,” Pashinyan said.

He said the simplest way to implement the project would be to open the Kazakh-Ijevan-Vanadzor-Gyumri-Akhurik roads to international freight traffic on a paid basis. 

Pashinyan noted that the project is easy to implement, but requires political agreements. “Political agreements need to be reached and implemented. Of course, the Armenia-Turkey border also needs to be opened,” the prime minister said.

He assessed that the project could generate significant regional interest. Pashinyan added that a small section of road would need to be built in Akhurik, but said this was feasible.

Idram and IDBank conducted a series of three-day financial literacy training sessions for over 460 participants of the AI Camp organized by the FAST Foundation. With the exponential rise of technology and AI, staying safe in the digital space is becoming increasingly vital for teenagers.

This time, the financial literacy course of Idram and IDBank had two main focuses: fraud prevention methods, along with basic financial concepts and the essentials of launching a startup.

The sessions were held by Tatevik Vardevanyan, Head of the Communications and Social Responsibility Programs Department at IDBank and Idram; Gevorg Darakhchyan, Senior Trainer at IDBank; and Albert Tunyan, Key Account and Digital Payments Projects Unit Head at IDBank and Idram.

Tatevik Vardevanyan, Head of the Communications and Social Responsibility Department, emphasized that financial literacy is a vital skill today: “We are delighted to be here at the summer camp organized by the FAST Foundation. Interacting with the children showed just how interested they are in our financial literacy course. They participated very actively and asked many questions. We sincerely hope that we were able to pass on essential knowledge, which will empower them to make stable and balanced financial decisions in the future”.

Albert Tunyan, Key Account and Digital Payments Projects Unit Head at IDBank and Idram, stated: “The enthusiasm of the participants was undeniable. Throughout the meeting, we explored the toolkit they can use to build their future careers in business. Additionally, we addressed the phases of startup creation and development. I will be glad if many of them ultimately choose an entrepreneurial direction.”

Anush Ayvazyan, Head of Educational Programs at the FAST Foundation, noted: “We highly value this cooperation with Idram and IDBank, thanks to which the children had the opportunity to develop a business mindset and acquire sales skills in the financial sector. We are confident that the course has made a profound impact on the participants, contributing to the realization of their future business ideas.”

IDRAM AND IDBANK COMPANIES ARE SUPERVISED BY THE CBA

The renowned French-Armenian actor, playwright, and director Simon Abkarian will be a guest of honor at the 23rd Golden Apricot Yerevan International Film Festival.

Abkarian began his nearly half-century of creative work in theater and cinema in the early 1980s in America, later continuing his path at Ariane Mnouchkine’s legendary Théâtre du Soleil.

Since the 1990s, he has also shone bright with great success on film and television screens in both France and the United States.

Abkarian has collaborated with distinguished directors such as Cédric Klapisch, Atom Egoyan, Robert Guédiguian, Sally Potter, and Fatih Akin, among others. He has portrayed Arshile Gorky and Missak Manouchian, and in 2026, he starred as General de Gaulle in Antonin Baudry’s eponymous film, premiering in Cannes.

Abkarian has also repeatedly received the French theater community’s highest honor, the Molière Award, being named Best Actor in 2001, and both Best Director and Best Living French-Language Writer in 2020.

The Central Bank of Armenia informs “Armenpress” that today, 2 July, USD exchange rate up by 0.15 drams to 368.2 drams. EUR exchange rate up by 0.61 drams to 420.08 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate up by 0.014 drams to 4.7211 drams. GBP exchange rate up by 3.18 drams to 490.88 drams.

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

Gold price up by 770 drams to 48411 drams. Silver price down by 6.23 drams to 689.56 drams.

National Assembly Speaker Alen Simonyan has met with Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan, Simonyan said in a post on his Facebook page.

“I thanked Mr. President for our effective cooperation during this period and wished him continued success in his future work,” the parliament speaker wrote.

Earlier, the board of the ruling Civil Contract party selected National Assembly Vice Speaker Ruben Rubinyan in a closed vote as its nominee for speaker of the newly elected parliament.

The other contenders were incumbent Speaker Alen Simonyan and Civil Contract parliamentary faction leader Hayk Konjoryan.

Speaking to reporters on July 2, Simonyan announced that he would not take up his parliamentary mandate and would not serve in the newly elected National Assembly.

The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) will provide financing for an expansion programme at Zangezur Copper-Molybdenum Combine (ZCMC).

According to Zangezur Copper-Molybdenum Combine, the relevant loan agreement was signed by Sergei Ignatov, EDB Senior Managing Director and Head of the Project Unit, and Nikolay Vedenin, Chief Financial Officer of Zangezur Copper-Molybdenum Combine, on the sidelines of the bank’s Annual Meeting and Business Forum.

Under the agreement, the EDB will provide ZCMC with a non-revolving credit facility of $120 million. The financing will support the company’s investment programme, which envisages increasing ore processing capacity as part of its long-term development strategy.

“The financing will support a programme aimed at improving the efficiency of the production cycle. This reflects one of the EDB’s key priorities – providing long-term financing for industrial modernisation in the region by building on existing industrial potential,” Ignatov said.

“The financing will allow us to consistently implement our investment programme aimed at increasing ore processing volumes. This is an important step towards improving efficiency, upgrading technical capabilities and ensuring the long-term sustainable development of production,” Vedenin said.