Armenia, EU sign connectivity partnership at first-ever bilateral summit

Armenia and the European Union signed a “connectivity partnership” on Tuesday during the first-ever bilateral summit held in Yerevan, marking a significant step in their relationship. The document was signed in the presence of Armenian Prime Minister Nikolai Pashinyan, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and EU Council President Antonio Costa. The ceremony also included the initialing of a working arrangement between Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, and Armenia’s Interior Ministry. The summit follows Monday’s 8th European Political Community summit, which brought over 40 European leaders to Yerevan.

Energy and disinformation

Speaking at a news conference, Pashinyan said he expects the EU to help Armenia develop solar energy. According to Costa, Armenia has significant solar potential but lacks the necessary technologies. Pashinyan noted that some regions in Armenia have over 300 sunny days per year, but battery storage is insufficient. He also mentioned working with European partners on hydrogen technology and water-based storage. Pashinyan argued that with the right strategy, Armenia could become energy self-sufficient and even an energy exporter. He also requested EU assistance in combating disinformation and hatred on social networks, as well as support for judicial independence and countering “hybrid threats.”

Geopolitical shift

The summit comes as Armenia’s relations with Russia have become increasingly strained since 2023. While remaining a member of the Russian-led Eurasian Economic Union, Armenia has formally declared its ambition to seek EU membership and has suspended its participation in the Moscow-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO).