The European Union (EU) has just pledged a financial package worth 270 million euros ($290 million) to Armenia to support the country's economy amid rising tensions in the region, and more deeply, help pull Yerevan out of Russia's orbit.
The announcement of the “landmark” plan came after talks on April 5 in Brussels between European Commission (EC) President Ursula von der Leyen, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.
Speaking to journalists after the Trilateral Summit, Ms. Von der Leyen said the EU will allocate the above financial package to support businesses and industries in the Caucasus country over the next four years as part of a "new and ambitious cooperation agenda".
“We will invest to strengthen Armenia’s economy and society, making them stronger and more resilient to shocks,” Von der Leyen said, adding that the funds would be allocated to new electrification and renewable energy projects.
Secretary Blinken said the US is also increasing economic assistance to Yerevan, up to $65 million this year, to support efforts to make Armenia “a strong, independent nation at peace with its neighbors.”
Armenian Prime Minister Pashinyan said the April 5 meeting in Brussels was evidence of his ex-Soviet country’s “expanding partnership” with the EU and the United States.
“I believe that our shared vision of a democratic, peaceful and prosperous future will continue to serve as the backbone and guiding star of our relationship of mutual trust,” he said.
From left: Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Joseph Borell, European Commission (EC) President Ursula von der Leyen and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, at the Trilateral Summit in Brussels, April 5, 2024. Photo: EU Neighbours East
Relations between Armenia and its traditional ally Russia are increasingly strained, and Yerevan is trying to distance itself from Moscow's influence by bolstering economic support from the West.
After suspending its membership in the Russia-led CSTO military alliance, Armenia has invited US troops to train in the country, sent aid to Ukraine and even signaled that Yerevan might want to join the EU.
Ms. Von der Leyen praised “the measures that Armenia has taken to combat the circumvention of our sanctions against Russia… This shows that the European Union and Armenia are increasingly united in values and interests.”
The EU's top leader also backed Armenia's "Crossroads of Peace" proposal to turn the country into a transport and trade hub by expanding connections with neighboring countries such as Türkiye, as well as Azerbaijan.
However, Azerbaijan has so far rejected the plan put forward by Armenia. Baku is pushing for a Russian-backed road and rail route through southern Armenia, dubbed the Zangezur Corridor.
Azerbaijan has objected to the trilateral summit taking place. Ahead of the talks, Von der Leyen spoke by phone with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and sought to reassure him of Brussels’ continued cooperation on “renewable energy, transport connectivity, energy security and other issues . ”
Minh Duc (According to Politico EU, AFP/France24)
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