Armenia, EU adopt joint declaration, advance cooperation at first bilateral summit

(Horizon Media / YEREVAN) — Armenia and the European Union adopted a joint declaration and signed a series of cooperation agreements following their first-ever bilateral summit on May 5, 2026, marking a further step in deepening political and economic ties.

The declaration states that the European Union recognizes the European aspirations of the Armenian people, anchored in the March 2025 adoption of legislation launching the country’s EU accession process. It reiterates that Armenia’s future “should be determined freely and democratically by its citizens,” while affirming the EU’s readiness to support Armenia’s sovereignty, resilience, and reform agenda.

Leaders noted that the summit served as a platform to expand cooperation in key sectors including connectivity, energy, transport, and digital development.

Several agreements were concluded as part of the summit outcomes. Among them was an Armenia–EU connectivity partnership document, signed by Deputy Foreign Minister Vahan Kostanyan and Adrien Kiraly of the European Commission, aimed at boosting investment and infrastructure development. In this context, the EU also handed six letters of intent to Armenian companies and foundations to support future investment initiatives.

A working arrangement on operational cooperation in border management was also initialed between Armenia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, signed by Interior Minister Arpine Sargsyan and Executive Director Hans Leijtens.

In addition, EU Ambassador to Armenia Vassilis Maragos presented the European Commission’s progress report on Armenia’s visa liberalization action plan. The report outlines recommendations toward achieving full visa-free travel between Armenia and the EU once all benchmarks are met.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan hosted European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at the presidential residence, where the summit opened with an official ceremony, followed by private and expanded-format discussions.

Speaking during the meeting, von der Leyen announced that the European Union has already allocated €2.5 billion for Armenia under its “Global Gateway” investment program.

“There has always been a special connection between Armenia and Europe, rooted in myths and ancient civilizations. But it is not only our shared history and culture that unite us—future opportunities do as well,” she said, adding that Armenia and the EU are “closer than ever.”

She also pointed to ongoing progress toward visa liberalization, noting that easier travel could help facilitate investment flows and deepen economic ties.

The joint declaration and signed agreements collectively underscore a growing partnership between Armenia and the European Union, with an emphasis on economic integration, institutional reform, and long-term connectivity.