The tripartite meeting between Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken kicked off in Brussels on April 5. The parties made statements in a press conference ahead of the EU-US-Armenia high-level meeting. 

Armenian PM Advocates for Strengthened Partnership with US and EU at Tripartite Meeting in Brussels

During the press conference preceding the tripartite meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan initiated his remarks by expressing gratitude to his colleagues for their shared dedication to a sovereign, resilient, and prosperous Armenia.

Pashinyan remarked that the tripartite meeting underscores Armenia’s dedication to common values and aspiration to establish more accountable and citizen-centered public institutions, which will ultimately benefit the Armenian people.

He emphasized that today’s high-level dialogue signifies Armenia’s deepening partnership with both the United States and the European Union.

“Despite many crises, Armenia has made considerable progress towards ensuring democracy. Not satisfied with the achieved progress, we will discuss Armenia’s efforts aimed at strengthening the resilience of the country’s democratic institutions. We are convinced that their cooperation is based on respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. Armenia reaffirms its commitment to promote justice and public sector reforms to build a stronger, safer, and more progressive country. Based on our effective political cooperation, it is the right time to advance our economic cooperation, promote trade, and expand their partnership in mobility. We are determined to increase the competitiveness of Armenia’s private sector to enter new markets. Moreover, we are ready to improve Armenia’s investment climate and make it more appealing for European and American companies. We expect Armenia’s partners to assist us in modernizing the country’s quality infrastructure, building business networks, and exploring possible trade facilitation schemes,” Armenian PM highlighted.

Nikol Pashinyan further stated: “Armenia is also fully committed to the delimitation of borders based on the Alma-Ata Declaration and unblocking of all regional communications based on full respect of the countries’ sovereignty and jurisdiction, and the principles of equality and reciprocity. To achieve this objective, we have introduced the Crossroads of Peace initiative, which aims to promote connectivity and dialogue with neighboring countries and beyond. To enhance synergies in the wider region with the support of EU’s Global Gateway strategy and expect the support of our partners in this regard”.

Armenia Receives Pledge of Enhanced Support from US in Brussels Meeting

“We are here to reaffirm Trans-Atlantic support for a democratic, prosperous future for the Armenian people and a more integrated and a more peaceful South Caucasus region, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated at a press conference. 

“We share the Armenian people’s vision for the future, we want Armenia to take its place as a strong, independent nation in peace with its neighbors, connected to the region and the world. The United States and the European Union both want to be partners in this effort. The United States is inviting efforts that are aligned with the Prime Minister’s governance and economic reforms. We plan to provide over $65 million in assistance from our budget funds, more than 50 present from two years ago,” the Secretary noted.

He emphasized that the US will persist in supporting over 100,000 ethnic Armenians displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh, considering it crucial for Armenia's enduring stability, prosperity, and regional security. Furthermore, efforts to facilitate their integration into society and the economy, including access to housing, employment, and education, are being supported.

Blinken highlighted that regional integration is pivotal for Armenia’s security and prosperity. He voiced support for the concepts underlying the Armenian PM’s “Crossroads of Peace” proposal.

“We see a more integrated South Caucasus with new transportation routes, energy cooperation, telecommunications. This will promote a diversified economy, expand opportunity, and help the peace and reconciliation efforts,” he added.

EU Announces €270 Million Resilience Plan for Armenia

“We are delivering on our promise made last October to stand shoulder to shoulder with Armenia and to set a vision for the future of our partnership,” stated President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, ahead of the EU-US-Armenia high-level meeting in support of Armenia’s resilience on April 5 in Brussels.

“This vision will be underpinned on the European Union side by a resilience and gross plan for Armenia, 270 million euros in grants over the next four years. We will invest in making the Armenian economy and society more resistant to shocks, we will support the businesses, particularly the SMEs so that we can help them to grow, to innovate and to access new markets. The EU will invest in key infrastructure projects, e.g., the Black Sea Electricity Cable, which is a transmission route full of opportunities. It can notably bring clean, renewable energy into Europe, and we are ready to support it. In parallel, we will continue investing in Armenia’s renewable energy production and better interconnections with Georgia”, von der Leyen stated.

The European Commission President added, "We will also explore cross-border transport if and when conditions allow, and in this context, we welcome your Crossroads of Peace initiative."

“Finally, we come today with new measures for aviation and nuclear safety and trade diversification. The support package we are presenting today will build on the success of the existing economic and investment plan from the European Union for Armenia. It has already mobilized over half a billion euros in investments, and now we can do more with the fresh investment perspective. We are not forgetting about the plight of the displaced Karabakh Armenians, the humanitarian situation of refugees in Armenia remains a priority. We have provided over 30 million in support of the refugees since last September, and we’re ready to do more to support the long-term integration of refugees,” she outlined. 

Borrell Announces Next Level of EU-Armenia Relations in Brussels

During a joint press conference in Brussels, Josep Borrell, the High Representative of the European Union (EU) for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, addressed attendees alongside Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

“Two months ago, here in Brussels, we held the Partnership Council with Armenia. And it was clear that our relations are developing on a positive track; that they are stronger than ever; and that there is a mutual interest to advance them further. And that is what we are doing here today. We are taking this Partnership to the next level. Together with our American friends, [we are] joining forces to demonstrate our strong commitment to Armenia’s sovereignty, democracy, and resilience. We want to joint our forces, to strengthen and move our relations [with Armenia] forward in all dimensions. That is what we agreed with the Foreign Minister [of Armenia, Ararat] Mirzoyan: to take our Armenia-EU Partnership Agenda to the highest possible level inside the framework of our Partnership Council. And this is not just words. The President of the Commission [Ursula von der Leyen] has announced a substantial Resilience and Growth package for Armenia to underpin this Partnership Agenda,” Joseph Borrell said.

Borrell emphasized Armenia's continued efforts to implement reforms to enhance its resilience, noting that these endeavors are integral components of the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement. He highlighted the significance of such reforms in strengthening Armenian society and addressing challenges, particularly in the face of increasing foreign information manipulation and interference.

The High Representative reiterated the EU’s commitment to supporting Armenia in combating disinformation and promoting media literacy to ensure citizens are equipped with the necessary tools to discern accurate information. He stressed that a stronger and more stable Armenia contributes to a stronger and more stable South Caucasus region, with benefits extending to all countries in the area.