EU tells Armenia ‘you can count on us’ as Russia keeps up economic pressure

Reuters
July 2 2026

EU tells Armenia ‘you can count on us’ as Russia keeps up economic pressure

By Reuters

July 2 (Reuters) – The European Union pledged an additional €18 million in economic support for Armenia on Thursday and liberalised some export rules for its goods as Brussels seeks to shore up support for the South Caucasus country ‌amid Russian trade pressure.

Moscow imposed wide-ranging trade restrictions on Armenia in the lead-up to a parliamentary election in June, which saw the incumbent Civil Contract party clinch 49.8% of the votes.
The Reuters Daily Briefing newsletter provides all the news you need to start your day. Sign up here.

Russia accused the West of interfering in the vote, and joined Armenia’s opposition in alleging election violations.

The restrictions from Moscow — imposed ⁠as Armenia has sought closer ties to the West and membership of the EU — have hit many key Armenian exports, including fresh produce, flowers, fish and alcoholic products.
Armenia is a member of a Russian-led economic union, and Moscow accounted for about 35% of Armenia’s foreign trade last year, compared with 11% for the EU, according to government statistics.
On a visit to the Armenian capital Yerevan on Thursday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan that Brussels would boost ‌its ⁠support and help bring Armenian goods to European markets faster.

“I know Armenia is still facing significant economic pressure from Russia,” von der Leyen said. “But rest assured: when pressure mounts on our partners, the EU steps up… You can count on us.”

Von der Leyen said ⁠the EU would remove tariffs from nearly 80% of Armenian exports heading to the EU, streamlining access to the bloc’s roughly 450 million consumers.
The €18 million disbursement announced on Thursday is ⁠part of a broader €52 million package the EU drew up for Armenia in early June.
On a visit to Azerbaijan on Wednesday, von der Leyen said Brussels had pledged €200 ⁠million in grant funding to boost transport, energy and digital links across the South Caucasus that is designed to support peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia after nearly 40 years of war.July 2 (Reuters) – The European Union pledged an additional €18 million in economic support for Armenia on Thursday and liberalised some export rules for its goods as Brussels seeks to shore up support for the South Caucasus country ‌amid Russian trade pressure.
Moscow imposed wide-ranging trade restrictions on Armenia in the lead-up to a parliamentary election in June, which saw the incumbent Civil Contract party clinch 49.8% of the votes.

Russia accused the West of interfering in the vote, and joined Armenia’s opposition in alleging election violations.

The restrictions from Moscow — imposed ⁠as Armenia has sought closer ties to the West and membership of the EU — have hit many key Armenian exports, including fresh produce, flowers, fish and alcoholic products.
Armenia is a member of a Russian-led economic union, and Moscow accounted for about 35% of Armenia’s foreign trade last year, compared with 11% for the EU, according to government statistics.
On a visit to the Armenian capital Yerevan on Thursday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan that Brussels would boost ‌its ⁠support and help bring Armenian goods to European markets faster.
“I know Armenia is still facing significant economic pressure from Russia,” von der Leyen said. “But rest assured: when pressure mounts on our partners, the EU steps up… You can count on us.”
Von der Leyen said ⁠the EU would remove tariffs from nearly 80% of Armenian exports heading to the EU, streamlining access to the bloc’s roughly 450 million consumers.
The €18 million disbursement announced on Thursday is ⁠part of a broader €52 million package the EU drew up for Armenia in early June.
On a visit to Azerbaijan on Wednesday, von der Leyen said Brussels had pledged €200 ⁠million in grant funding to boost transport, energy and digital links across the South Caucasus that is designed to support peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia after nearly 40 years of war.

Azerbaijani Jewish community calls on Israeli Parliament not to recognise Arme

OC Media
July 2 2026

Three Azerbaijani Jewish community leaders have called on members of the Israeli Parliament not to support the initiative to recognise the Armenian Genocide. The move comes after the Israeli government approved a bill to officially recognise the genocide.

The leaders of three Jewish communities — the Baku Mountain Jewish Community, the Baku Ashkenazi Jewish Community, and the Baku Sephardic Jewish Community — stated that the recognition of the Armenian Genocide could ‘negatively impact the process of establishing peace and stability’.

The pro-government media outlet APA the appeal was signed by Milikh Yevdayev, Aleksandr Sharovsky, and Zamir Isayev.

Noting that the country’s Jewish community has long existed in ‘peace and security, and mutual respect on Azerbaijani soil’, the letter argued that relations between Azerbaijan and Israel ‘are based on the principles of strategic partnership, mutual trust, and friendship’.

They noted ‘with regret’ the Israeli government’s steps to recognise the genocide, referring to it as ‘the events that took place 111 years ago’.

The letter drew attention to the timing of the Israeli efforts, noting they came after the resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict ‘after many years of tension’.

The Jewish community leaders claimed that sensitive historical events should be researched by historians, not be the subject of political decisions, and argued that ‘politicising this issue’ could spark ‘unnecessary tensions’.

On 28 June, Israel’s government voted to officially recognise the Armenian Genocide after the measure was brought forward by Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, who said recognising the genocide ‘is both a moral and historical duty’.

The Israeli government’s decision was criticised by the Turkish Foreign Ministry, as well as the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry, which expressed ‘serious concern’ over the recognition of the Armenian Genocide.

On 29 June, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry stated that ‘such steps do not contribute to reconciliation and mutual understanding’, but ‘deepen existing contradictions’ and pose a threat to the establishment of ‘lasting peace and reconciliation in the region’.

OC Media has contacted the Chabad of Baku but did not receive a response by the time of publication.

Interviews and statements with the country’s Jewish communities are primarily conducted by Azerbaijani pro-government media, especially when the topic touches on sensitive issues such as the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and the Armenian genocide.

The Jewish community in Azerbaijan numbers only a few thousand, far below its peak of 40,000 in Soviet times. As with other places in the former Soviet Union, including other Muslim majority countries such as Uzbekistan, the vast majority of Jews have left in the recent decades. In this regard, Azerbaijan’s remaining Jewish community, estimated to be around 6,000, is not particularly unique, nor is it especially isolated — neighbouring Iran, which is also one of Israel’s archenemies, has a larger Jewish population, roughly around 9,000.

Nonetheless, the Azerbaijani government has also used the presence of its small Jewish community to further its own narrative that it is a bastion of ethno-religious tolerance — as well as a rhetorical tool to bolster its information war against Armenia.

Von der Leyen opens EU market access for Armenia to counter “Russian coercion”

EU News, Italy
July 2 2026

Tariffs lifted on 80 per cent of exports. “Following her meeting with Prime Minister Pashinyan, the Commission President announced support for connectivity, peace and the diversification of trade in the Caucasian country.”

Brussels – The proposal to remove tariffs on 80 per cent of products exported from Armenia to the European Union and to provide 18 million euros – the final tranche of the 52 million euro package announced in early June – to support trade diversification. The European Commission keep seizing the moment – also endorsed by the 7 June re-election of the centrist party of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, which seeks to deepen ties with the West – to forge ever closer relations with the small South Caucasus country. The European Commission announced yesterday a 200 million euro fund for connectivity in the South Caucasus and a 20 million euro fund for peace initiatives – ranging from mine clearance to the development of local businesses. 

“On 7 June, the people of Armenia spoke clearly. They chose democracy. The rule of law. They chose reform and peace. They chose an open, welcoming, and inclusive society. And they chose to partner with the European Union. And together, we must now turn their aspirations into results,” said the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, speaking from Yerevan, where she met with Prime Minister Pashinyan alongside the Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos. “Armenia is carrying on the path of democracy, reform, peace, and a closer partnership with Europe. And I am here to tell you: you can count on us,” she stressed. 

Within this cooperation framework, von der Leyen announced “a new €200 million Global Gateway package for peace through connectivity.” This EU support is for projects in the transport, energy, and digital connectivity sectors, aimed at unlocking the economic benefits of lasting peace in the region and promoting cooperation between its peoples. “With our financial partners, we aim to mobilise up to €2 billion for strategic transport, energy, and digital projects all across the South Caucasus. In Armenia, it could support projects currently under preparation, including border crossing points and road infrastructure,” von der Leyen explained. In addition, there is a further allocation of 20 million euros for the “peace-fostering programme,” which includes investments in healthcare, mine clearance, skills development and local businesses.

 But it is on the economic and trade front that the EU is focusing its attention, aiming to free the country from Moscow’s grip. “I know Armenia is still facing significant economic pressure from Russia. Nothing short of economic coercion, actually. But rest assured: when pressure mounts on our partners, the EU steps up,” von der Leyen said. In this regard, the President explained that the country will “soon receive a further €18 million to help strengthen and diversify your trade.” These are the remaining funds from the 52 million euro support package for Armenia agreed at the beginning of June. Brussels has already disbursed 34 million euros, and the remaining 18 million euros will arrive in Yerevan shortly. These funds will be able to “contribute to the creation of an export promotion agency and boost the export capacity of Armenian businesses,” she noted.

 Secondly, the Commission will present measures on trade autonomy. “They will liberalise almost 80% of Armenian exports to the EU. That means 80% of your trade with us will now be tariff-free. With this, we can re-route products that currently still rely heavily on the Russian market and send them to the European Union Single Market of 450 million consumers,” the President explained. This is a move that will “open the European doors to almost 99% of Armenia’s fresh fruits, vegetables, and plants that used to be exported to Russia. And it will open the door of the European Union Single Market to more than 90% of your exports of beverages and spirits.” In this way, according to Brussels, the country will have the means to diversify its trade flows. And, to do so swiftly, the European Commission will send experts to Armenia by mid-July to work directly with producers and exporters. “These missions will help businesses identify new market opportunities, meet EU standards, strengthen their export capacity and gain greater access to the EU single market,” the EU executive stated. 

An assessment of all this work will take place by the end of the year, when the EU and Armenia will hold a high-level dialogue in Yerevan to jointly review the progress made on reforms under the Multisectoral Budget Support Programme for Armenia.

English version by the Translation Service of Withubhttps://www.eunews.it/en/2026/07/02/von-der-leyen-opens-eu-market-access-for-armenia-to-counter-russian-coercion/

EU extends Ukraine-style trade relief to Armenia

Politico
July 2 2026

The package would open the bloc’s market to roughly 80 percent of Armenian exports.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Thursday announced Ukraine-style autonomous trade measures for Armenia aimed at helping the country withstand growing economic pressure from Russia.

Von der Leyen unveiled the package during a visit to Yerevan alongside Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos, where the pair met Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. The trip marks the first visit by a foreign leader since Pashinyan’s pro-European government secured another parliamentary majority last month, cementing Armenia’s shift away from Moscow.

“The recent elections have shown the strength of Armenia’s democracy,” von der Leyen said, according to a press release. “The Armenian people have chosen reform and a closer partnership with our Union. No country should be pressured for a sovereign choice.” She added the EU was “stepping up” with the proposed trade rules alongside a €52 million support package previously announced in June.

The autonomous measures — the same mechanism the EU previously deployed to support Ukraine’s economy — would liberalize around 80 percent of Armenian exports to the bloc once approved by the European Parliament and EU member states.

Brussels argues the package is designed to help Armenian producers diversify away from the Russian market, particularly in sectors targeted by recent Russian trade restrictions. Earlier this year, Moscow temporarily blocked imports of Armenian flowers, prompting the EU to help exporters find alternative buyers inside the bloc.

The trade package forms part of a broader €288 million EU support program for Armenia.

A high-level EU-Armenia dialogue will take place in Yerevan later this year to review progress on economic reforms and deepen cooperation.

‘Stop making democracy selective,’ Armenian protesters tell von der Leyen

Panorama, Armenia
July 2 2026

At a rally held outside the Armenian government building on Thursday, Anna Kostanyan, a board member of the Hayakve civic initiative, read out a letter addressed to visiting European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The full text of the letter is provided below.

Ms. Ursula von der Leyen,

The European Union itself is built upon unwavering adherence to the fundamental values: respect for human dignity, the rule of law, political pluralism, and the protection of fundamental rights.

You have arrived in Yerevan from Baku, where you spoke about a bright future in the South Caucasus. Today, you are here to support Armenia’s democratic development, economic cooperation, infrastructure modernization, energy resilience, and regional peace and stability. This is quite touching, however, we, the citizens of Armenia, expect from Europe not just statements, but political consistency and genuine commitment to the values it proclaims—and not double standards.

Today, Armenia is experiencing a serious deterioration of democratic standards. Opposition civil activists, political leaders, and public figures are increasingly subjected to criminal prosecution that is widely perceived as politically motivated. Armenian prisons now hold an unprecedented number of political prisoners. Opposition politicians and government critics face criminal charges under what we describe as a system of selective justice. The recent detention of HayaQve National Civil Union Coordinator Avetik Chalabyan is yet another indication that political competition in Armenia is becoming increasingly dangerous, where political thoughts are suppressed, voices are silenced, and equal opportunities for political actions are being undermined.

You should be concerned that under a government presented as Europe’s partner, opposition figures are being imprisoned just because of their political views or civic activities. Has any European delegation visited these political detainees in recent years? In 2008, such visits were freely taken place. Why is Europe silent today? What has changed?

It is equally unacceptable that the European Union continues to provide unconditional political support to Armenia’s current non-legitimate authorities while disregarding widespread public concerns about human rights violations, politically motivated prosecutions, restrictions on freedom of _expression_, and the findings of local and international human rights organizations and election observation missions. At this very moment, the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Armenia is still reviewing legal challenges filed by opposition political parties concerning the results of the recent parliamentary elections. Nevertheless, several EU Member States have already rushed to congratulate recent Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on his unconditional victory. What is this, if not disrespect towards Armenia’s constitutional institutions and its citizens? It creates external political legitimization while the country’s highest constitutional authority has yet to deliver its final judgment.

You have come to Armenia from Baku, where you met with your other partner, Ilham Aliyev. For years, international organizations have documented political prisoners and repression against opposition voices in Azerbaijan. You are also undoubtedly aware that for more than 1,000 days, the political leadership of Artsakh, along with other Armenian civilians, has remained imprisoned in Azerbaijan, deprived of fundamental guarantees of due process and the right to a fair trial. At the same time, politically motivated prosecutions are taking place in Armenia against Armenian citizens. The result is deeply troubling: two governments that the European Union engages with are going through anti-democratic practices, undermining the very democratic values that Europe publicly advocates.

The European Union must not apply double standards to different countries. If human rights are truly a European value, they must be defended consistently, regardless of temporary political interests or favorable geopolitical calculations. The European Union frequently warns about the dangers of external interference in Armenia’s political processes. Yet the substantial financial assistance provided immediately before the elections, together with high-level political support for Armenia’s recent authorities, is widely and publicly perceived as a direct form of external political intervention. If foreign interference is unacceptable, then that principle must apply equally to everyone, including the European Union, regardless of where such influence originates.

The citizens of Armenia do not expect Europe to support any particular government. They expect Europe to support the Republic of Armenia, its democracy, an independent judiciary, free and fair elections, and genuine political pluralism. If the European Union, under your leadership, wishes to remain a true union of values, then today you must have the courage to raise these questions directly with your partner, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. These are the questions of Armenian citizens and political forces. Recognize that your political support has had consequences. It risks strengthening a government that is guilty for restricting freedom of _expression_, undermining political competition, and weakening democratic institutions.

STOP MAKING DEMOCRACY SELECTIVE!

European values cannot be defended only where it’s politically convenient or economically favorable.”

Armenpress: Armenian PM sends congratulatory messages to US President and Vice

Politics12:44, 4 July 2026
Read the article in: العربيةFrançaisՀայերենRussian

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan sent congratulatory messages to US President Donald Trump and US Vice President J.D. Vance on the occasion of the national holiday, Independence Day.

The message to President Trump reads:

“Dear Mr. President,

I extend my warmest congratulations to you, your family, and the friendly people of the United States of America on the occasion of Independence Day.

This year’s celebration is of particular significance as it marks the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, a historic milestone that reflects the vitality of the values of freedom and independence laid down by the Founding Fathers at the foundation of the United States. At the same time, Independence Day symbolizes the strong spirit and resilience of the American people, thanks to which the United States plays a key role in modern international relations and important global processes.

The Republic of Armenia and the United States of America are united not only by common interests, but also by a long-standing friendship aimed at strengthening peace, stability, and prosperity. In this context, I consider it appropriate to emphasize the importance of your steadfast leadership in the peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

The Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity initiative, the implementation of which is being carried out by our two countries, will certainly be an important guarantee of this peace and will pave the way for a more peaceful, interconnected, and prosperous region.

Speaking of peace, I cannot help but mention the Peace Council initiated by you and Armenia’s membership in it as a founding member, which is yet another proof of the shared vision of the Republic of Armenia and the United States aimed at establishing lasting peace. I note with satisfaction that the comprehensive strategic partnership formed between the Republic of Armenia and the United States of America has acquired new content, encompassing many new areas of mutual interest.

I am confident that the consistent implementation of our joint agenda will contribute to the further strengthening of bilateral relations for the benefit of our two peoples. I wish you good health and new successes, and peace, prosperity, and progress to the people of the United States of America. 

Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.”

The message addressed to the Vice President, in particular, reads: 

“Honorable Mr. Vice President,

Please accept my warmest congratulations and best wishes on the 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States of America. 

July 4th is another occasion to value the fundamental ideas of freedom and independence. These values not only form the basis of American identity, but also serve as the ideological foundation anchorded on which the United States has continuously made its important contribution to international peace and security, as well as to building solid ties with partner countries. 

Mr. Vice President,

I warmly recall your visit to Armenia in February of this year, which was of great importance for the further deepening and strengthening of the partnership formed between our countries. In addition to boosting the partnership between Armenia and the United States in the economic, energy, defense, and other areas, your visit became a testament to high-level political dialogue and mutual trust between Armenia and the United States, creating new opportunities for expanding our ties in various areas.”

Read the article in: العربيةFrançaisՀայերենRussian

Published by Armenpress, original at 

Iranian president thanks Armenia for support during difficult period

Politics13:02, 4 July 2026
Read the article in: فارسیFrançaisArmenianRussian:

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian thanked Armenia for its support and solidarity during a difficult period for Iran during a meeting with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in Tehran on July 3, saying stronger relations between Tehran and Yerevan would benefit both nations.

According to Mehr News Agency, Pezeshkian said the condolences and messages of sympathy received from Armenia reflected the deep historical ties and friendship between the two neighboring countries.

The Iranian president described Iran-Armenia relations as being based on mutual respect, good-neighborliness and shared interests, adding that the two countries have consistently expanded constructive cooperation across various sectors.

He also thanked Armenia for its cooperation during the recent conflict and expressed hope that negotiations on a comprehensive bilateral cooperation agreement would be concluded soon.

“The agreement could open new opportunities for cooperation while strengthening customs, transport, transit, trade and economic exchanges. Relations between Tehran and Yerevan should remain free from external interference and be guided by the independent will of both countries. The presence of extra-regional powers has often complicated regional challenges rather than resolving them,” the Iranian president was quoted as saying.

Pezeshkian also reaffirmed Iran’s foreign policy principles, stressing respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries and reiterating Tehran’s preference for resolving disputes through dialogue and diplomacy.

 Prime Minister Pashinyan, in turn, conveyed Armenia’s condolences to the Iranian government and people.

He reaffirmed Armenia’s commitment to friendly relations with Iran and said Yerevan would never participate in any initiative contrary to Iran’s security or national interests.

He added that bilateral relations are currently at their strongest level since Armenia’s independence.

Pashinyan traveled to Tehran on July 3 to attend the funeral ceremonies for Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Read the article in: فارسیFrançaisArmenianRussian:

Published by Armenpress, original at 

AI as a pillar of national innovation: Mkhitar Hayrapetyan’s interview with Ap

High Technologies14:02, 4 July 2026
Read the article in: Armenian:

Armenian Minister of High-Tech Industry Mkhitar Hayrapetyan has given an interview to the Government AI Campus, an initiative of Apolitical.

According to the Ministry of High-Tech Industry, the platform features interviews with policymakers and public sector leaders from countries playing a leading role in the adoption, capacity building and governance of artificial intelligence (AI).

 In the interview, Hayrapetyan outlined Armenia’s vision for building a competitive, responsible and inclusive AI ecosystem. He said Armenia aims to make AI a key driver of economic growth, public sector modernization and improved public services.

Achieving that goal, he noted, requires the parallel development of modern digital infrastructure, broader access to computing resources, stronger AI literacy and the training of a new generation of specialists. One of the interview’s central messages focused on AI literacy, which the minister described as a national priority.

According to Hayrapetyan, technological infrastructure alone is not enough. 

Public servants, private sector professionals, educators and citizens alike need the knowledge and skills to use AI tools effectively, responsibly and safely. Speaking about the role of AI in public administration, Hayrapetyan said the technology can help improve the efficiency of government, enhance the quality of public services, detect fraud and support more data-driven and evidence-based decision-making. 

At the same time, the minister stressed the importance of managing the risks associated with AI, noting that the technology can scale not only efficiency but also mistakes. He warned that bias, privacy risks, cybersecurity challenges, over-reliance on AI-generated content and a lack of transparency could undermine public trust. For that reason, he said, all areas of public administration, including healthcare, must uphold the principles of ethics, human rights, accountability and effective oversight. 

Hayrapetyan also emphasized that AI should support people rather than replace them, helping them make better decisions. 

He highlighted the importance of ensuring broad access to AI capabilities, noting that Armenia is developing a comprehensive ecosystem that combines world-class infrastructure, accessible computing resources, education and broad participation. Reflecting on the impact of AI, Hayrapetyan said the technology will expand rather than limit human creativity.

 According to the minister, digital solutions and automation will allow people to spend less time on routine technical and bureaucratic tasks and more time on creativity, innovation, critical thinking and decision-making that requires human judgment.

Read the article in: Armenian:

Published by Armenpress, original at 

Aliyev says Azerbaijan and Armenia now live in peace in Independence Day messa

Politics14:28, 4 July 2026
Read the article in: ArmenianRussian:

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has congratulated U.S. President Donald Trump on the 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States, while also expressing appreciation for his efforts to advance the peace agenda in the South Caucasus, particularly between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Aliyev published the congratulatory message on his X account.

“We also express our profound appreciation for your determined efforts to advance the peace agenda in the South Caucasus and promote sustainable development in the region. The outcomes of the historic trilateral meeting held at the White House on August 8 last year at your initiative have created an entirely new and positive atmosphere in our region. Today, Azerbaijan and Armenia live in peace and are building trade relations,” Aliyev wrote.

The Azerbaijani president also acknowledged the United States’ continued support for infrastructure projects that contribute to regional stability and economic development, particularly the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity, which, according to Aliyev, will provide an alternative, reliable and secure connection between Asia and Europe.

In his message, Aliyev also expressed confidence that Azerbaijan and the United States would continue to strengthen their bilateral relations and deepen their strategic partnership by making full use of the existing potential and opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation.

Published by Armenpress, original at 

Armenia says ties with US have reached historic milestone in Independence Day

Politics14:39, 4 July 2026
Read the article in: ArmenianRussian:

Armenia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has congratulated the United States on the 250th anniversary of its independence.

The message was posted on the Foreign Ministry’s X account.

“Happy Independence Day to the Government and people of the United States. Armenia and the United States enjoy a historic milestone in bilateral relations, with ample opportunities for further enhancement. We look forward to advancing our ties to the benefit of our peoples,” the ministry said. 

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had also congratulated U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance on the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence.

Published by Armenpress, original at