European leaders gathered in Yerevan on 4–5 May for the European Political Community (EPC) summit and the first EU–Armenia summit, placing the South Caucasus and its fragile peace process at the centre of regional diplomacy.
During the EU–Armenia summit, the sides signed a “connectivity partnership” aimed at strengthening transport links and regional integration.
The agreement was concluded in the presence of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and European Council President António Costa. It also included a working arrangement between Armenia’s Interior Ministry and Frontex.
The summit followed the 8th European Political Community meeting, which brought together more than 40 European leaders in Yerevan.
Dr George Mchedlishvili, Associate Professor at the European University, told AnewZ’s Katie Wilson on the Daybreak programme on Tuesday:
“The event is a real watershed event. For the first time, the summit takes place in Armenia, actually in the European Political Community.”
He said Armenia is “trying to reposition itself in a new light as an important partner for the European Union, pivoting away from Russia cautiously”.
He also underlined the political signal sent by the EU: “The European Union, by attending en masse the summit in Armenia, shows its firm political support behind the incumbents.”
Armenian officials highlighted the country’s renewable energy potential, particularly solar power, noting that some regions experience more than 300 sunny days per year.
Prime Minister Pashinyan said Armenia is working with EU partners on energy storage and hydrogen technologies, adding that the country could develop export capacity in the future.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said: “There are limitless opportunities for the development of solar energy in our country.”
She also confirmed EU financial and technical support, including €25 million for energy infrastructure and storage systems.
Von der Leyen announced expanded EU assistance to Armenia in countering hybrid threats and disinformation, alongside support through the European Peace Facility.
Armenia is also seeking EU support in judicial reform, cybersecurity and digital resilience.
Armenia’s closer engagement with the EU comes amid strained relations with Russia. Commenting on the country’s shifting geopolitical direction, George Mchedlishvili said Russia’s reaction has been strongly negative:
“Russia is extremely disappointed. Russia is extremely angry.”
He added that Moscow’s ability to respond is constrained by wider geopolitical pressures:
“Russia is so much bogged down in Ukraine that [it] simply doesn’t have any meaningful ways today to preclude Armenia from coming closer to the West.”
The peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan was among the key political themes underpinning discussions at the summit.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, whose visit to Azerbaijan on 5 May followed the Yerevan meetings, linked the region’s diplomatic momentum to broader strategic interests.
“Strengthening connectivity between the EU, the South Caucasus, and Central Asia is in our shared strategic interest. The progress on the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia represents a historic opportunity, and it’s important to sustain momentum,” Kallas said.
Both Armenian and Azerbaijani leaders referred to progress in the peace process in their respective remarks.
Pashinyan described the EPC forum as an important platform for supporting peace efforts, while Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev highlighted the emerging practical benefits of stability, including trade and transport links.
French President Emmanuel Macron warned against external competition in the region, stating:
“The South Caucasus is not destined to be a field of empires competing over it as a trophy.”
Macron argued that the region should instead function as a bridge between Europe, Central Asia and the Middle East, adding that lasting stability can be achieved through international law and cooperation rather than power politics.
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The geopolitical order that shaped the South Caucasus for more than two decades has collapsed, pushing Azerbaijan into a new era defined by regional instability, strategic transformation, and intensifying competition among neighbouring powers.
Azerbaijan says political pressure and what it describes as biased rhetoric from some European institutions are complicating peace efforts with Armenia and undermining neutrality in the negotiations.
In a region where borders have long been drawn in blood rather than ink, even the act of sitting across the table carries strategic weight. The latest border talks between Armenia and Azerbaijan may appear procedural, but they carry profound geopolitical significance.
The European Union has held its first-ever summit with Armenia in Yerevan this week - a diplomatic milestone that produced a joint declaration, a new connectivity partnership and a broader commitment to deepen ties. For Armenia, it is a political moment. For Europe, it is a strategic signal.
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