European Union commends Armenia's initiatives towards regional stability and process of normalization with Turkey
In a significant development for the South Caucasus region, European Union (EU) leaders and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan have expressed optimism about the normalisation of relations between Armenia and its neighbouring countries. During a meeting in Brussels, EU President Ursula von der Leyen and President of the European Council Charles Michel commended Armenia's efforts towards fostering stability in the region, particularly in relation to ongoing peace talks with Azerbaijan and steps towards normalising relations with Turkey.
Von der Leyen expressed hope for the signing of a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan as soon as possible, which would contribute to long-term security and stability across the South Caucasus. The joint statement noted EU funding to Armenia continues to support socio-economic reform, closer sectoral cooperation, and investments in energy, transport, and the private sector.
The potential benefits of normalisation for Armenia and the South Caucasus region are numerous. Normalisation offers Armenia a path to break economic and diplomatic isolation by reopening borders and resuming trade and transport links with Turkey. This would boost local economies, especially in eastern Turkey, and improve trade corridors, benefiting Armenia's economy and providing access to new markets.
Stable Armenia-Turkey relations, in combination with peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan, would also reduce regional tensions and contribute to long-term security and stability across the South Caucasus. Opening borders and expanding regional cooperation could reduce Russian dominance in the region and increase Western partners’ engagement, aligning Armenia more with Euro-Atlantic institutions.
The normalisation process hinges on parallel progress in Armenia-Azerbaijan peace, sustained political dialogue free of preconditions, and international support. Both countries have adopted a “no preconditions” approach to allow focused dialogue on mutually beneficial issues rather than contentious historical and political demands. Continued dialogue and follow-up steps are crucial, as demonstrated by recent visits and "in-depth" talks between Pashinyan and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
Armenia’s suspension of its international campaign for recognition of the 1915 mass killings as genocide is seen as a significant concession facilitating talks. The EU, US, and other international players should support the process constructively by encouraging transparency and incentives without rigid impositions.
During Pashinyan's visit to Brussels, EU leaders reaffirmed their support for Armenia's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and democratic progress. The EU endorsed Armenia's "Crossroads of Peace" infrastructure initiative, which aims to promote regional connectivity and reconciliation. The leaders underlined the possibility of including Armenia in the European Union’s regional and economic initiatives, particularly within the framework of the Black Sea Strategy.
The EU pledged increased economic support to Armenia, with investments under the Global Gateway strategy expected to reach €2.5 billion ($2.9 billion). The leaders expressed support for Armenia's hosting of the European Political Community summit in 2026. The €270 million Resilience and Growth Plan boosted EU funding to Armenia by 50%.
In conclusion, the normalisation of relations between Armenia and its neighbouring countries offers significant benefits for the South Caucasus region. The EU remains committed to supporting Armenia's resilience and long-term development, and both parties have expressed a desire to deepen and broaden their relationship. The path to normalisation requires continued dialogue, a focus on mutually beneficial issues, and international support. If successful, this process could lead to increased stability, economic opportunities, and regional cooperation.
- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan have recently engaged in "in-depth" talks, indicating a potential progress in the normalisation process between Turkey and Armenia.
- The normalisation of relations between Armenia and Turkey could substantially benefit the economy of eastern Turkey, as well as enhance trade corridors, positively impacting Armenia's economy and providing access to new markets.
- The EU leaders, during a meeting with Nikol Pashinyan in Brussels, pledged increased economic support to Armenia, with investments under the Global Gateway strategy expected to reach €2.5 billion ($2.9 billion).
- If the normalisation process is successful, it could lead to increased stability, economic opportunities, and regional cooperation within the South Caucasus region, potentially reducing Russian dominance and increasing engagement from Western partners.
