BRIEFING NOTE

Subject: PC3 UEF Webinar with EU Ambassador to Armenia, Vassilis Maragos

Date: 27 May 2026

Prepared by: Chair of PC3

I. Summary

Ambassador Vassilis Maragos provided an overview of recent EU engagement with Armenia, including outcomes of high-level meetings in Yerevan, current EU priorities, and the broader geopolitical and regional context. The discussion highlighted the EU’s commitment to supporting Armenia’s sovereignty, democratic resilience, economic development, and regional connectivity, while maintaining a balanced and non-exclusive geopolitical approach.

II. Recent High-Level Engagement

The European Union recently held two key meetings in Yerevan:

• A meeting of the European Political Community (EPC); and
• A bilateral EU–Armenia meeting.

These engagements reflect the intensification of political dialogue and cooperation between the EU and Armenia.

III. EU Strategic Priorities in Armenia

The EU’s engagement is structured around four main priorities:

1. Security
   • Support for stability in a complex regional environment.
   • Continued engagement in conflict-prevention and confidence-building efforts.
2. Connectivity
   • Promotion of infrastructure and cross-border links with neighbouring countries.
   • Support for regional integration initiatives.
3. Visa Liberalisation
   • Advancement of mobility and people-to-people contacts.
   • Ongoing dialogue aimed at facilitating travel between Armenia and the EU.
4. Resilience and Growth Plan
   • Strengthening competitiveness of the Armenian economy.
   • Support to the private sector, including cooperation with the European Investment Bank (EIB) and a commercial bank.
   • Facilitation of strategic EU investments in Armenian companies.

IV. Democratic Governance and Institutional Support

The EU continues to support Armenia’s democratic development, notably through cooperation with UNDP, including:

• Electoral training and technical assistance;
• Capacity-building initiatives aimed at enhancing institutional resilience;
• Efforts to safeguard the integrity of democratic processes.

While progress has been noted, political polarization remains significant. The current political landscape is characterised by:

• An active parliamentary opposition;
• The emergence of new political actors, often centred on the country’s geopolitical orientation.

An OECD interim report (published recently) provides additional analysis of governance and reform dynamics.

V. Regional Context and International Engagement

The Armenian government has reiterated its commitment to peace and regional stability, with support from international partners, including the United States.

In this context:

• A recent visit by the US Secretary of State to Armenia aimed to reinforce bilateral cooperation;
• Discussions included broader frameworks related to international peace initiatives.

VI. Connectivity and Normalisation Efforts

The EU is actively supporting regional connectivity and normalisation processes, including:

• Armenia–Turkey normalisation:
  • Continued diplomatic engagement despite closed borders;
  • Support for agreements on infrastructure projects (bridges, railway connections);
  • Promotion of steps towards restoring bilateral trade relations.
• Cross-border infrastructure:
  • EU backing for connectivity projects involving neighbouring countries;
  • Emphasis on economic integration and regional interdependence.

VII. EU Positioning

The EU maintains a non-exclusive and partnership-based approach towards Armenia. In particular:

• The EU does not require Armenia to align exclusively with either the EU or other geopolitical actors (notably Russia);
• Instead, it supports Armenia’s development as an independent and sovereign partner;
• The objective is to anchor Armenia within a stable, cooperative regional framework.

VIII. Conclusion

The EU–Armenia partnership is deepening across political, economic, and institutional dimensions. EU support focuses on fostering resilience, promoting sustainable economic growth, and encouraging regional cooperation.

Despite ongoing challenges, including political polarization and regional tensions, the EU remains committed to supporting Armenia’s long-term stability and its role as a constructive regional partner.