The European Union (EU) considers the lifting of trade and transit restrictions and expanded contacts between Azerbaijani and Armenian communities among the key achievements of the year since the initialing of the draft peace agreement between the two countries, Anitta Hipper, spokesperson for the European External Action Service (EEAS), told Report.az, the latter informs.

She said that the initialing of the draft peace agreement and the signing of a joint declaration on the peace process on August 8, 2025, marked "historic steps" towards the full normalization of relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

"Since then, the sides have made important progress, which has brought benefits to both countries," Hipper said.

The EU has highlighted the lifting of trade and transit restrictions, the release of detainees and expanded contacts between representatives of the two countries under the Peace Bridge initiative.

At the same time, Brussels believes that the agreements reached must continue to be implemented and that the peace treaty should be signed and ratified.

The EU also supports further practical steps towards normalization, including expanded cooperation in connectivity, trade and energy, Hipper said.

She added that continued progress on the delimitation and demarcation of the border, the resolution of humanitarian issues and efforts towards reconciliation, including at the societal level, also remain important.

"The EU stands ready to provide further support and expertise in all these areas," the EU official said.