Armenia to receive additional €18 million soon – Ursula von der Leyen

As Armenia moves closer to the European Union, the South Caucasus moves closer as well. Open borders will transform Armenia’s economic future, anchoring the country at the crossroads of global connectivity, and the EU is ready to help turn that vision into reality, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said at a joint press conference with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in Yerevan.

“That is why I have announced a new €200 million Global Gateway package dedicated to building peace through connectivity. Together with our financial partners, we are ready to mobilize up to €2 billion for strategic transport links, energy connections and digital projects across the South Caucasus. In Armenia, this can support ongoing and planned projects, including border crossings and road infrastructure,” von der Leyen said.

She noted that Armenia continues to face significant economic pressure from Russia, which she said is “almost bordering on economic violence,” and stressed that the European Union is stepping up its support.

“When the pressure on our partners builds up, the EU steps in and takes action. Armenia will soon receive an additional €18 million aimed at strengthening and diversifying trade. This funding could, for example, be used to establish an export promotion agency to boost the export capacity of Armenian businesses. The €18 million is the final tranche of the €52 million support package announced in early June,” von der Leyen said.