{"id":2023489,"date":"2026-07-02T17:04:10","date_gmt":"2026-07-02T14:04:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2023489"},"modified":"2026-07-02T17:04:10","modified_gmt":"2026-07-02T14:04:10","slug":"von-der-leyen-unveils-major-eu-support-initiatives-in-strategic-trip-to-armenia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2023489","title":{"rendered":"Von der Leyen unveils major EU support initiatives in strategic trip to Armenia"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/32\/30\/1200x675_cmsv2_b55e8cde-168c-556a-a2c0-a0b6cf24a126-9823230.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2906831-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2906831\" data-cid=\"9823190\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2906831-label-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/31\/90\/189x106_cmsv2_7fd1e55c-43d1-5b27-980a-3f135701c143-9823190.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"The UN flag waves the International Court of Justice in The Hague, 23 May, 2024\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Burkina Faso<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    UN to close Burkina Faso human rights office after junta suspension\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2906774-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2906774\" data-cid=\"9822833\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2906774-label-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/28\/33\/189x106_cmsv2_e9eaacaf-96c9-5661-ba53-612400e9d50d-9822833.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Irish Taoiseach Miche\u00e1l Martin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Pressure mounts on Ireland to stop alumina sales to Russia\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2906812-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2906812\" data-cid=\"9823101\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2906812-label-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/31\/01\/189x106_cmsv2_3c715f8f-0599-5fb9-8079-8b54c6d852e7-9823101.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Smoke rises over the city center after a Russian attack on Kyiv, Ukraine, Thursday, July 2, 2026.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Russia steps up use of jet-powered drones against Ukraine\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2906776-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2906776\" data-cid=\"9822847\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2906776-label-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/28\/47\/189x106_cmsv2_5e9319df-d42f-5350-a551-0fb5dc3e374f-9822847.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Flight crews prepare the Patrouille de France jets on the ground before take off on Tuesday, June 9, 2026 at Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh, N.Y.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    No Comment<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    French aerobatic team stages flypast over New York for US anniversary\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2906831-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2906831\" data-cid=\"9823190\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2906831-label-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/31\/90\/189x106_cmsv2_7fd1e55c-43d1-5b27-980a-3f135701c143-9823190.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"The UN flag waves the International Court of Justice in The Hague, 23 May, 2024\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Burkina Faso<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    UN to close Burkina Faso human rights office after junta suspension\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2906774-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2906774\" data-cid=\"9822833\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2906774-label-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/28\/33\/189x106_cmsv2_e9eaacaf-96c9-5661-ba53-612400e9d50d-9822833.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Irish Taoiseach Miche\u00e1l Martin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Pressure mounts on Ireland to stop alumina sales to Russia\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2906812-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2906812\" data-cid=\"9823101\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2906812-label-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/31\/01\/189x106_cmsv2_3c715f8f-0599-5fb9-8079-8b54c6d852e7-9823101.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Smoke rises over the city center after a Russian attack on Kyiv, Ukraine, Thursday, July 2, 2026.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Russia steps up use of jet-powered drones against Ukraine\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2906776-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2906776\" data-cid=\"9822847\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2906776-label-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/28\/47\/189x106_cmsv2_5e9319df-d42f-5350-a551-0fb5dc3e374f-9822847.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Flight crews prepare the Patrouille de France jets on the ground before take off on Tuesday, June 9, 2026 at Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh, N.Y.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    No Comment<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    French aerobatic team stages flypast over New York for US anniversary\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"helper-site-row o-article-newsy\">\n<div class=\"helper-site-container o-article-newsy__container\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__main\">\n<header class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__header\">\n<nav aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs\">\n<div id=\"adb-article-breadcrumb\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs__list\">\n<p>                          News<\/p>\n<p>                          World<\/p>\n<p>                          Armenia<\/p><\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<h1 class=\"c-article-redesign-title\">\n                            Von der Leyen unveils major EU support initiatives in strategic trip to Armenia<\/h1>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-video u-position-relative \">\n<div class=\"js-superdiv u-aspect-ratio-16x9 u-position-relative \" data-sponsored=\"Partner content\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"js-poster-img c-article-media__img\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/32\/30\/1536x864_cmsv2_b55e8cde-168c-556a-a2c0-a0b6cf24a126-9823230.jpg\" width=\"1536\" height=\"864\" loading=\"eager\" alt=\"European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in Yerevan, 2 July 2026\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-caption u-position-absolute\"><i id=\"article-caption-content\" class=\"c-article-caption__content\"><span class=\"c-article-caption__text\"><br \/>\n              European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in Yerevan, 2 July 2026<br \/>\n                    <span class=\"u-color-white\">&#8211;\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__copyright\">Copyright\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__credit\">European Union, 2026, licensed under CC BY 4.0 <\/span><\/span><\/i><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-copyright c-article-image-copyright--novideo\">\n      Copyright\u00a0European Union, 2026, licensed under CC BY 4.0\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__body u-article-content\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__contributors-publication-date\">\n<div class=\"c-article-contributors\">\n  By&amp;nbspPeter Barabas&amp;nbsp&amp;&amp;nbspAleksandar Brezar\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-publication-date\" data-timestamp=\"1783011850\">\n         Published on<br \/>\n            <time datetime=\"2026-07-02 19:04:10 +02:00\">02\/07\/2026 &#8211; 19:04 GMT+2<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-share-comment-share\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Share<\/span><\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Comments<\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label 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loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"c-article-summary\">\n        European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a significant economic and political support package to Armenia during her strategic visit to engage with the South Caucasus peace process and the new opportunities in the region formerly in Russia\u2019s orbit.<br \/>\n    <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-content js-article-content\">\n<p>European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the EU\u2019s widespread support for Armenia during her visit to Yerevan on Thursday as part of a strategic tour of the South Caucasus, unveiling a series of rare economic measures to help the country withstand growing Russian pressure stemming from its cautious pro-West pivot.<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Hailing Armenia\u2019s \u201ccloser partnership with Europe\u201d and that \u201cthe people of Armenia chose democracy (\u2026) and to partner with the European Union,\u201d von der Leyen unveiled major new financial support packages, removal of trade tariffs on most Armenian exports to the EU and pledged to help with visa liberalisation among other measures in response to what she called Russia\u2019s \u201ceconomic coercion\u201d of the country.<\/p>\n<p>Following her visit to Azerbaijan on Wednesday, von der Leyen underlined what she said was a \u201chistory-making moment\u201d of the Armenian-Azerbaijan peace process and the new momentum for the EU\u2019s strategic engagement with the two former rivals, stating that \u201cwhile Armenia is coming closer to the EU, the South Caucasus is coming closer together.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>In a clear political message, the Commission president underscored that by voting for Pashinyan in the recent elections, \u201cthe people of Armenia spoke clearly. They chose democracy. The rule of law.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;They chose reform and peace. They chose an open, welcoming, and inclusive society. And they chose to partner with the European Union,&#8221; von der Leyen added. &#8220;And together, we must now turn their aspirations into results.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Von der Leyen further expressed the EU\u2019s political support for Armenia by stating that &#8220;I know Armenia is still facing significant economic pressure from Russia, (\u2026) but rest assured: when pressure mounts on our partners, the EU steps up&#8230; You can \u200bcount on us.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h2>New trade measures to bypass Russian restrictions<\/h2>\n<p>Armenia will now uniquely benefit from a new EU instrument, as it is neither an EU candidate country nor does it have a classic trade agreement, allowing it to redirect most of its products from Russian exports to EU markets, with exemption of customs duties.<\/p>\n<p>Von der Leyen announced a proposal called Autonomous Trade Measures, which will liberalise almost 80% of Armenian exports to the EU\u2019s single market of 450 million consumers by removing trade tariffs to support the Armenian economy amid Russia\u2019s growing economic onslaught of wide-ranging trade restrictions on Armenia over the last few months.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis measure will open the European doors to almost 99% of Armenia&#8217;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,\u201d von der Leyen said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIn fact, over the past month, we have seen more and more Armenian flowers arriving on our market. I think this is a beautiful symbol of a new chapter in our economic partnership. And this is only the beginning,\u201d the Commission president added. <\/p>\n<p>In addition, von der Leyen said the EU will send Armenia an additional \u20ac18 million to support trade, as the final part of the wider \u20ac52 million package which the EU put together on the eve of Armenia\u2019s crucial elections in June, which gave Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan a strong pro-West mandate.<\/p>\n<p>Von der Leyen said alongside Pashinyan that Armenia was &#8220;still facing significant economic pressure from Russia, nothing short of economic coercion actually.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>When asked about the future of Armenia\u2019s relations with Russia during the press conference, Pashinyan reiterated his cautious approach that \u201cwe have never sought and will never seek to create a crisis in Armenia-Russia relations.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Yet he made it clear that \u201cwe act solely in the interests of our country, we respect the interests of all our international partners, but we cannot place the interests of any partner above those of Armenia.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2>Billions pledged for regional connectivity<\/h2>\n<p>The chief of the EU executive repeated the 27-member bloc&#8217;s pledge made in Baku on Wednesday to invest \u20ac200 million in a new EU connectivity initiative called the Global Gateway package and to \u201cmobilise up to \u20ac2 billion for strategic transport, energy, and digital projects all across the South Caucasus,\u201d that Armenia would benefit from, now that it made its peace with Azerbaijan.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Connectivity is now another key area for the EU\u2019s engagement in the South Caucasus, with the Middle Corridor emerging as a strategic transit route between Asia and Europe and a strong Eurasian alternative amid global supply chain disruptions in the Middle East.<\/p>\n<p>The Middle Corridor, also known as the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), is a transport network of multiple roadways, railroads and maritime routes connecting China and Southeast Asia through Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Georgia, and onward to Turkey and Europe.<\/p>\n<p>With the South Caucasus being an important link of the Middle Corridor and because the EU is \u201cbuilding bridges between people,\u201d von der Leyen also announced \u20ac20 million for a \u201cpeace-fostering programme&#8221;. <\/p>\n<p>The funds are meant to help communities living along the borders, supporting local economies and improving everyday lives, \u201cso that peace takes root in the hearts and minds of this generation \u2013 and the next,&#8221; she said.<\/p>\n<p>Through this announcement, von der Leyen showed support for Pashinyan\u2019s pledge that Armenia has now closed the tragic chapter of the Karabakh wars with Azerbaijan, allowing the two former rivals to forge a peaceful future together. <\/p>\n<h2>Visa liberalisation and energy diversification on the table<\/h2>\n<p>Pashinyan announced during the visit that Armenia aims to obtain visa liberalisation with the EU by 2029, depending on the country\u2019s pace of reforms.<\/p>\n<p>Von der Leyen responded by stating that the EU is conducting an assessment mission this autumn and that Armenia is the only country in an active visa liberalisation process with the EU.<\/p>\n<p>As Armenia depends on Russian energy imports, which Moscow already threatened Yerevan with, the EC president said that EU experts will go to the South Caucasus country to help diversify its energy imports for which the EU has \u201cgreat experience,\u201d citing Ukraine and Moldova as examples. <\/p>\n<p>Pashinyan said Armenia will build power transmission lines with Azerbaijan and Turkey to strengthen Armenia\u2019s energy security, in addition to restoring regional transport links.<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-widget-related\" data-stories-id data-event=\"widget_related\">\n<div class=\"c-widget-related__title\"><b class=\"c-widget-related__title__text\" lang=\"en\">Related<\/b><\/div>\n<ul class=\"c-widget-related__list\">\n<li class=\"c-widget-related__item\">Von der Leyen visits Azerbaijan and Armenia to deepen South Caucasus ties<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p>While calling the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process \u201cthe most consequential step this region has taken in decades,\u201d the EC president continued to praise Armenia for \u201cthe continued normalisation of relations with Turkey. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cThese decisions required political courage and leadership. And I know their rewards will be immense,&#8221; von der Leyen told Pashinyan. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Opening borders will transform Armenia&#8217;s economic future and it will anchor Armenia at the heart of one of the world&#8217;s most strategic crossroads. We will stand by you to turn this vision into reality,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>                                  Go to accessibility shortcuts<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-share-comment-share\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Share<\/span><\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Comments<\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label c-article-share-comment__label--always\">Add Euronews on Google<\/span><\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-you-might-also-like\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-article-you-might-also-like\">\n<h2 class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__title\">\n        Read more<br \/>\n      <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  Von der Leyen to visit Pashinyan in Yerevan to build on Armenia\u2019s pro-EU vote<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  Counting is underway in Armenia\u2019s pivotal vote for the South Caucasus future<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  Armenia goes to polls in pivotal vote to decide South Caucasus future<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto\">\n<ul id=\"adb-article-tags\" class=\"c-tags-list\">\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Armenia<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  European Union<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Ursula von der Leyen<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Nikol Pashinyan<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"o-article-newsy__aside\">\n<div class=\"c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-1\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-top-stories\" 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<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2906774-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2906774\" data-cid=\"9822833\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2906774-label-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/28\/33\/320x180_cmsv2_e9eaacaf-96c9-5661-ba53-612400e9d50d-9822833.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Irish Taoiseach Miche\u00e1l Martin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Pressure mounts on Ireland to stop alumina sales to Russia<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2906831-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2906831\" data-cid=\"9823190\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2906831-label-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/31\/90\/320x180_cmsv2_7fd1e55c-43d1-5b27-980a-3f135701c143-9823190.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"The UN flag waves the International Court of Justice in The Hague, 23 May, 2024\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    UN to close Burkina Faso human rights office after junta suspension<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2906338-pos1-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2906338\" data-cid=\"9820430\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Nine of the top 10 strongest passports globally are European<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2905837-pos2-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2905837\" data-cid=\"9819253\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    New venomous spider species discovered in Portugal<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2906339-pos3-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2906339\" data-cid=\"9820431\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Russia closes railway borders with Finland, Estonia and Latvia<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2906381-pos4-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2906381\" data-cid=\"9820618\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Did The Simpsons really predict the final of the 2026 World Cup?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2906295-pos5-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2906295\" data-cid=\"9820269\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Heat kills 900 in Spain&#8217;s second-hottest June on record<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"articleBody\" data-key=\"articleBody\">European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the EU\u2019s widespread support for Armenia during her visit to Yerevan on Thursday as part of a strategic tour of the South Caucasus, unveiling a series of rare economic measures to help the country withstand growing Russian pressure stemming from its cautious pro-West pivot.Hailing Armenia\u2019s \u201ccloser partnership with Europe\u201d and that \u201cthe people of Armenia chose democracy (\u2026) and to partner with the European Union,\u201d von der Leyen unveiled major new financial support packages, removal of trade tariffs on most Armenian exports to the EU and pledged to help with visa liberalisation among other measures in response to what she called Russia\u2019s \u201ceconomic coercion\u201d of the country.Following her visit to Azerbaijan on Wednesday, von der Leyen underlined what she said was a \u201chistory-making moment\u201d of the Armenian-Azerbaijan peace process and the new momentum for the EU\u2019s strategic engagement with the two former rivals, stating that \u201cwhile Armenia is coming closer to the EU, the South Caucasus is coming closer together.\u201dIn a clear political message, the Commission president underscored that by voting for Pashinyan in the recent elections, \u201cthe people of Armenia spoke clearly. They chose democracy. The rule of law.&#8221;&#8221;They chose reform and peace. They chose an open, welcoming, and inclusive society. And they chose to partner with the European Union,&#8221; von der Leyen added. &#8220;And together, we must now turn their aspirations into results.\u201dVon der Leyen further expressed the EU\u2019s political support for Armenia by stating that &#8220;I know Armenia is still facing significant economic pressure from Russia, (\u2026) but rest assured: when pressure mounts on our partners, the EU steps up&#8230; You can count on us.&#8221;New trade measures to bypass Russian restrictionsArmenia will now uniquely benefit from a new EU instrument, as it is neither an EU candidate country nor does it have a classic trade agreement, allowing it to redirect most of its products from Russian exports to EU markets, with exemption of customs duties.Von der Leyen announced a proposal called Autonomous Trade Measures, which will liberalise almost 80% of Armenian exports to the EU\u2019s single market of 450 million consumers by removing trade tariffs to support the Armenian economy amid Russia\u2019s growing economic onslaught of wide-ranging trade restrictions on Armenia over the last few months.\u201cThis measure will open the European doors to almost 99% of Armenia&#8217;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,\u201d von der Leyen said.\u201cIn fact, over the past month, we have seen more and more Armenian flowers arriving on our market. I think this is a beautiful symbol of a new chapter in our economic partnership. And this is only the beginning,\u201d the Commission president added.In addition, von der Leyen said the EU will send Armenia an additional \u20ac18 million to support trade, as the final part of the wider \u20ac52 million package which the EU put together on the eve of Armenia\u2019s crucial elections in June, which gave Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan a strong pro-West mandate.Von der Leyen said alongside Pashinyan that Armenia was &#8220;still facing significant economic pressure from Russia, nothing short of economic coercion actually.&#8221;When asked about the future of Armenia\u2019s relations with Russia during the press conference, Pashinyan reiterated his cautious approach that \u201cwe have never sought and will never seek to create a crisis in Armenia-Russia relations.&#8221;Yet he made it clear that \u201cwe act solely in the interests of our country, we respect the interests of all our international partners, but we cannot place the interests of any partner above those of Armenia.\u201dBillions pledged for regional connectivityThe chief of the EU executive repeated the 27-member bloc&#8217;s pledge made in Baku on Wednesday to invest \u20ac200 million in a new EU connectivity initiative called the Global Gateway package and to \u201cmobilise up to \u20ac2 billion for strategic transport, energy, and digital projects all across the South Caucasus,\u201d that Armenia would benefit from, now that it made its peace with Azerbaijan.&#8221;Connectivity is now another key area for the EU\u2019s engagement in the South Caucasus, with the Middle Corridor emerging as a strategic transit route between Asia and Europe and a strong Eurasian alternative amid global supply chain disruptions in the Middle East.The Middle Corridor, also known as the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), is a transport network of multiple roadways, railroads and maritime routes connecting China and Southeast Asia through Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Georgia, and onward to Turkey and Europe.With the South Caucasus being an important link of the Middle Corridor and because the EU is \u201cbuilding bridges between people,\u201d von der Leyen also announced \u20ac20 million for a \u201cpeace-fostering programme&#8221;.The funds are meant to help communities living along the borders, supporting local economies and improving everyday lives, \u201cso that peace takes root in the hearts and minds of this generation \u2013 and the next,&#8221; she said.Through this announcement, von der Leyen showed support for Pashinyan\u2019s pledge that Armenia has now closed the tragic chapter of the Karabakh wars with Azerbaijan, allowing the two former rivals to forge a peaceful future together.Visa liberalisation and energy diversification on the tablePashinyan announced during the visit that Armenia aims to obtain visa liberalisation with the EU by 2029, depending on the country\u2019s pace of reforms.Von der Leyen responded by stating that the EU is conducting an assessment mission this autumn and that Armenia is the only country in an active visa liberalisation process with the EU.As Armenia depends on Russian energy imports, which Moscow already threatened Yerevan with, the EC president said that EU experts will go to the South Caucasus country to help diversify its energy imports for which the EU has \u201cgreat experience,\u201d citing Ukraine and Moldova as examples.Pashinyan said Armenia will build power transmission lines with Azerbaijan and Turkey to strengthen Armenia\u2019s energy security, in addition to restoring regional transport links.While calling the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process \u201cthe most consequential step this region has taken in decades,\u201d the EC president continued to praise Armenia for \u201cthe continued normalisation of relations with Turkey.\u201cThese decisions required political courage and leadership. And I know their rewards will be immense,&#8221; von der Leyen told Pashinyan.&#8221;Opening borders will transform Armenia&#8217;s economic future and it will anchor Armenia at the heart of one of the world&#8217;s most strategic crossroads. We will stand by you to turn this vision into reality,\u201d she said.<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2026\/07\/02\/von-der-leyen-unveils-major-eu-support-initiatives-in-strategic-trip-to-armenia&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/32\/30\/1200x675_cmsv2_b55e8cde-168c-556a-a2c0-a0b6cf24a126-9823230.jpg&#8221;] Burkina Faso UN to close Burkina Faso human rights office after junta suspension Europe News Pressure mounts on Ireland to stop alumina sales to Russia Europe News Russia steps up use of jet-powered drones against Ukraine No Comment French aerobatic team stages flypast over New York for US anniversary Burkina Faso UN [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[90],"tags":[226,36],"class_list":["post-2023489","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-international","tag-crawlmanager","tag-euronews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2023489","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2023489"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2023489\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2023489"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2023489"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2023489"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}