This summit gives us the opportunity to deepen our ties and take our unique partnership with Armenia to a new level, and we will definitely do so. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated during a press conference held following the inaugural Armenia-EU summit in Yerevan.

She noted that Armenia-EU cooperation will develop in four main priority areas.

The first of these is connectivity. A partnership document on connectivity has just been signed, which takes the cooperation to a new, ambitious level, von der Leyen said.

She explained that connectivity consists of several key elements. The first of these is transport. In this context, von der Leyen emphasized that few countries have such a unique geographical location as Armenia. Its “Crossroads of Peace” initiative has the potential to connect Europe with the South Caucasus and Central Asia. It can turn Armenia into a key transport hub. They are already ready to work on the repair and reconstruction of border crossings. This will happen when the borders with Armenia’s other neighbors are opened. Europe understands how important it is for Armenia to be firmly integrated into regional transport networks, and that is why Europe will support the country’s integration, including in projects such as the trans-Caspian transport corridor, which is also of strategic importance for Europe, especially given the growing trade between the regions, the president of the European Commission said, adding that transport and transport networks are the driving force of competitiveness.

The second key element, as von der Leyen noted, is energy. The rapid development of solar energy in Armenia is impressive. This is a clear sign of commitment to the country’s energy diversification. It is of key importance, especially in the context of the energy crisis that we are all facing. Europe supports projects aimed at strengthening Armenia’s energy security, especially taking into account the rich reserves of renewable sources, von der Leyen said. According to her, this direction of cooperation includes the construction of the Caucasus electricity grid and energy systems—with an investment amount of 25 million euros, which aims to ensure the reliability of supplies.

The third direction is digitalization. According to the president of the European Commission, an impressive ecosystem is being formed in Armenia in artificial intelligence and engineering. In this area, a number of memoranda of intent were signed with leading Armenian companies within the framework of the aforesaid summit. European companies are being encouraged to invest in Armenia, where there are human potential and development prospects. Armenia is becoming exactly the place where it is worth working in this area, von der Leyen noted.

The second priority of the EU-Armenia partnership is close cooperation in security. Within the framework of the European Peace Facility, the EU assists the Armenian armed forces. However, the country must also confront hybrid threats, interference ,and manipulation in the information field. The partnership with EU will help Armenia confront these threats and disinformation. One thing is clear: the only legitimate source of power in this country is the will of the Armenian people, the president of the European Commission emphasized.

The third priority is Armenia-EU cooperation in visa policy and home affairs. The European politician assured that there is great progress in visa liberalization, and this process will be brought to its logical conclusion.

And finally, according to Ursula von der Leyen, the fourth priority is economic support and social resilience. Two years ago, the EU launched the Resilience and Growth Plan for Armenia worth 270 million euros. Its implementation is already showing good results, and it is expected to attract investments of up to 2.5 billion euros. The EU supports Armenian businesses by helping them innovate, enter new markets, and scale up. The EU is also investing in skills development and employment, including in mine action, which is vital for security. The EU is providing significant assistance also to people displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh, including by providing them with housing, the president of the European Commission noted.