Von der Leyen to Visit Yerevan to Strengthen EU-Armenia Ties After Pashinyan’s Re-election

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will visit Armenia next week for discussions with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to advance EU-Armenia strategic relations, sources in Yerevan confirmed on Tuesday. The trip follows Pashinyan’s recent re-election, which the European Commission endorsed days before the June 7 vote, announcing a support package to counter Russian sanctions.

In May, the Commission condemned Russia’s economic pressure, accusing Moscow of “weaponising economic relations for political pressure” by restricting Armenian imports. Russia has blocked various Armenian fruits, vegetables, fish, wine, brandy, and mineral water, while threatening to cut oil and gas supplies.

Last Friday, the European Commission said it disbursed €34 million to Armenia to help mitigate the impact of Russian trade restrictions on the private sector. Additional support will target affected industries such as agri-food, flower production, and other export-oriented sectors through trade initiatives and business matchmaking events.

The EU-Armenia Task Force on Economic Resilience continues to monitor implementation. Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos announced she will travel to Armenia soon to strengthen cooperation. On Monday, Kos received a symbolic first batch of Armenian apricots from Minister Davit Khudatyan, ahead of a Connectivity Agenda Platform launch to better connect Armenia with neighbours and Europe.

Before the elections, Pashinyan tried to ease tensions with Russia, calling Armenia’s EU membership bid “theoretical.” He agreed with President Putin to visit Moscow after the elections to resolve issues. Pashinyan stated Armenia will not act against Russia’s interests but also not against its own, and will continue working within the Eurasian Economic Union.