AnewZ Morning Brief - 17 January, 2026
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 17th of January, covering the latest developments you need to ...
The European Union has praised Armenia’s recent steps towards fostering stability in the South Caucasus, particularly its efforts to normalise relations with Türkiye and reach an historic peace agreement with Azerbaijan.
On Monday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa met Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in Brussels to discuss regional developments and deepen EU-Armenia relations.
Von der Leyen described the draft peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan as “a seismic moment” in the region’s history, expressing hope that the agreement would be signed soon to bring decades of hostility to an end.
Prime Minister Pashinyan reaffirmed Armenia’s commitment to democratic reforms and closer integration with the EU.
“We are working to establish a deeper and broader partnership with Armenia, and we aim to strengthen our relationship,” said Council President Costa.
In a joint statement, the EU leaders reiterated their strong support for Armenia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and democratic path.
They welcomed progress on visa liberalisation and acknowledged Armenia’s newly adopted legislation aimed at launching the country’s European integration process.
The EU also voiced support for Armenia’s inclusion in regional infrastructure and economic projects, particularly those linked to the Black Sea.
Brussels reaffirmed its commitment to Armenia’s long-term development, pledging increased financial and technical assistance. Under the Global Gateway strategy, EU investments in Armenia are expected to reach €2.5 billion.
Additionally, the €270 million Resilience and Growth Plan, announced in April, will boost funding by 50% to support reforms and investments in key sectors.
Regional connectivity featured prominently in the discussions. The EU reaffirmed its support for Armenia’s "Crossroads of Peace" initiative — a proposed infrastructure network to reopen trade routes across the region, including with Türkiye and Azerbaijan.
Security cooperation is also set to expand, with new EU-Armenia Security and Defence consultations signalling Brussels’ increasing role in the South Caucasus, amid the decline of traditional Russian influence.
EU leaders described the meeting as “an important step” in advancing ties and expressed optimism for further progress at the upcoming EU-Armenia Partnership Council this autumn.
Pashinyan’s visit follows a recent trip to Yerevan by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, during which both sides reaffirmed their commitment to closer cooperation and lasting peace in the region.
At least four people were injured after a large fire and explosions hit a residential building in the Dutch city of Utrecht, authorities said.
A railway power outage in Tokyo disrupted the morning commute for roughly 673,000 passengers on Friday (16 January) as two main lines with some of the world's busiest stations were halted after reports of a fire.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that the international situation is worsening and that the world is becoming more dangerous, while avoiding public comment on events in Venezuela and Iran.
A SpaceX capsule carrying a four-member crew home from orbit in an emergency return to earth necessitated by an undisclosed serious medical condition afflicting one of the astronauts splashed down safely early on Thursday (15 January) in the Pacific Ocean off California.
President Donald Trump announced Thursday evening that the long-awaited “Board of Peace” to oversee Gaza’s reconstruction has officially been formed.
The Regional Environmental Summit 2026 will be held in Astana from 22-24 April, bringing together Central Asian countries to strengthen regional dialogue on climate and environmental challenges.
Kazakhstan has begun recalibrating its oil export logistics amid ongoing restrictions affecting the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC), a vital conduit for the country’s crude supplies to global markets.
Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran’s last shah, has called for support for protesters seeking to overthrow Iran’s government. Speaking at a press conference in Washington on 16 January, Pahlavi outlined plans to return to Iran and called for action against the country’s Revolutionary Guards.
The Turkish Defence Ministry has voiced its support for recent military operations by Syrian government forces against the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which enjoy the support of the United States.
Uzbekistan plans to establish production facilities in Qatar as part of a strategy to expand exports and strengthen its presence in Gulf markets.
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