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European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will visit Armenia on 1 July, Politico reports, citing sources. EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos will also be part of the delegation. According to the publication, the visit is seen as a clear signal of support for Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan following his Civil Contract party’s victory in the parliamentary elections in early June.
In recent years, Armenia and the EU have drawn significantly closer amid weakening relations between Yerevan and Moscow, which had long been its key ally. In the run-up to the parliamentary elections, Russia pressured Pashinyan and supported his opponents, while the EU, by contrast, expressed support and provided aid aimed at strengthening the Armenian economy in the face of the consequences of Russian sanctions.
“We are seeing the country undergo intense and continuous pressure from Russia; such a visit would be a strong signal of support, continuing the concrete assistance already provided,” an anonymous European official authorized to comment told Politico.
According to him, the delegation’s visit is meant to convey the message: “Europe is with you.”
The presence of Marta Kos in the delegation is also seen as an additional signal that the issue of Armenia’s potential accession to the EU could be on the agenda of the talks.
In early 2025, Armenia’s parliament passed a law calling on the government to pursue European integration. Since then, the country has continued its rapprochement with the EU, though it has not yet submitted an official membership application.
The EU is reportedly preparing an aid package for Armenian exports amid restrictions from Russia.
Meanwhile, cooperation between Yerevan and Brussels is also developing in other areas. In particular, Armenian Economy Minister Gevorg Papoyan held a meeting with EU representatives to discuss ways to strengthen the country’s economic resilience and support its development.
Commenting on the meeting, Papoyan stated that Armenian products are “fully competitive” in EU markets in terms of quality and other parameters.
“We have made significant progress in improving the business environment and raising quality standards. Today, many Armenian companies are ready not only to increase exports but also to build long-term partnerships with European buyers.”