The European Union (EU) supports the vision of opening transport links in the South Caucasus—and under the sovereignty and national jurisdiction of the countries. Ambassador Vassilis Maragos, Head of the EU Delegation to Armenia, stated this at the 4th Meeting of the EU-Armenia Parliamentary Partnership Committee taking place today in Yerevan, and noted that the mandate of the EU monitoring mission in Armenia has been extended for another two years.

The EU diplomat recalled that last summer the EU decided to support Armenia through the European Peace Facility program. Also, they engage the Armenian leadership in security dialogues, added Maragos.

Reflecting on the Armenia-Azerbaijan border delimitation and demarcation process, the EU ambassador said that they are trying to find mutually acceptable solutions—and taking into account connectivity, humanitarian issues, and discussions related to the peace agreement.

The EU supports also the vision of opening regional transport links under the sovereignty and national jurisdiction of the respective countries, and the Crossroads of Peace concept by the Armenian government is also in their respective vision, Maragos added.

According to him, the EU has stood with Armenia from the very beginning, when Armenians were forcibly displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh. Maragos noted that the EU has provided about 100 million euros—and not only to meet the basic needs, but also to protect the rights of these displaced persons.

He spoke also about the importance of the rule of law, and the protection of human rights. They appreciate that Armenia continues its commitment—despite the very difficult conditions in the region, Maragos added.

The head of the EU Delegation to Armenia noted as well the work being carried out within the framework of the visa liberalization process. This is a very important initiative that can become a catalyst for further cooperation in trade, transport, energy, green and digital transitions, added Maragos.