Joint Press Release: Commissioner Marta Kos and Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan

Joint Press Release: Commissioner Marta Kos and Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan

During 19 September meeting in Yerevan, Commissioner Marta Kos and Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan reaffirmed their joint commitment to further the growing partnership between the European Union and Armenia and had an extensive exchange to this end. The EU and Armenia have never been as close as now. Commissioner Kos' first visit to Armenia marks an unprecedented dynamic moment in the bilateral relations. She welcomed Armenia's steps to deepen the partnership.

Commissioner Kos welcomed the recent breakthrough in the Armenia-Azerbaijan normalisation process achieved in August 2025 in Washington D.C. She underlined that the initialling of the peace agreement marks a major step forward towards lasting and sustainable peace between the two countries and across the wider region. The European Union stands ready to continue supporting the establishment of peace and investing in regional connectivity, contributing to sustainable peace, stability and prosperity in the region.

Commissioner Kos also welcomed Armenia's ongoing efforts to promote normalisation of relations with Türkiye.

During the meeting, Commissioner Kos announced the adoption of the second instalment (EUR 202.5 million) of the EUR 270 million Resilience and Growth Plan in support of Armenia announced in April 2024 by President von der Leyen. This will translate the ambitious strategic priorities set out in the new EU-Armenia Partnership Agenda into action.

As part of this second instalment, the EU is putting forward a comprehensive multisector budget support of EUR 90 million. This programme will drive key sectoral reforms in trade diversification, transport, energy, key areas under the Visa liberalisation dialogue, as well as education and employment also addressing vulnerable groups including the refugees, contributing to fostering Armenia's socio-economic resilience.

To ensure its effective implementation, Commissioner Kos and Deputy Prime Minister Grigoryan launched a High-Level Policy Dialogue. This will be a platform for coordinating and monitoring progress of the reform targets. It will be co-led by the Deputy Prime Minister's Office jointly with relevant ministries and the EU.

The EU and Armenia reaffirm their shared commitment to democratic values and European best practices. In this context, Armenia reiterates its firm dedication to meeting the benchmarks set out in the Visa Liberalisation Action Plan (VLAP). Visa liberalisation is not only about enhancing mobility, but also about strengthening people-to-people ties, fostering youth and educational exchanges, and reinforcing public confidence in the reform process.

Commissioner Kos also announced additional support for safeguarding the transparency of electoral processes in view of the upcoming parliamentary elections in 2026. The EU stands firmly committed to support Armenia's democratic institutions and reform path.

Armenia and the EU will also continue working together in the framework of the Global Gateway strategy with partner International Financial Institutions to advance priority investments fostering inclusive growth and connectivity. Since 2021, under the Global Gateway strategy, EU investments in Armenia are now expected to reach EUR 2.5 billion, fostering inclusive growth and connectivity, and today's announcement promises to accelerate this investment pipeline.

The EU remains dedicated to investing in trade, energy, and transport connectivity, in line with Armenia's Crossroads of Peace initiative. In this context, Commissioner Kos also presented the developments on the EU Cross-Regional Connectivity Agenda, connecting Europe with Central Asia via the South Caucasus and Türkiye. This initiative will be a flagship of the EU's Black Sea Strategy and underscores Armenia's role in regional connectivity.

Finally, Commissioner Kos and Deputy Prime Minister Grigoryan concluded that 19 September meeting represents an important step in EU-Armenia relations and called for a review of the progress made so far at the next EU-Armenia Partnership Council to be held in early December 2025 in Brussels.