Details from the Armenia-EU-US Joint Meeting in Brussels

The Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Commission Vice President and EU Foreign Affairs High Representative Josep Borrell, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and U.S. Agency for International Development Administrator Samantha Power met today, April 5, 2024, in Brussels to reaffirm support for Armenia's sovereignty, democracy, territorial integrity, and socio-economic resilience.

The European Union and the United States support a stable, peaceful, secure, democratic, and prosperous future for Armenia and the region. In this context, we aim to expand cooperation aimed at strengthening Armenia's resilience, including in key areas such as political reforms, economic development, and humanitarian assistance.

We will seek to expand our partnerships in areas such as mobility, governance, rule of law, trade, connectivity, agriculture, energy, and technology. To support these key areas, the European Union and the United States plan to enhance cooperation with Armenia.

The EU and the United States have commended the significant progress made by Armenia in democratic justice reforms and combating corruption since 2018, and have committed to continuing partnership and support for Armenia as it works to strengthen democracy and the rule of law in line with our shared values and principles.

The EU will continue supporting Armenia on its reform path through the implementation of the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA). To promote reforms and expand cooperation in all areas, the EU and Armenia will ensure progress on a new agenda for Armenia-EU Partnership.

The United States is committed to assisting Armenia and Prime Minister Pashinyan in implementing the outlined reforms. The Biden administration plans to provide approximately $65 million in development assistance to Armenia for the 2023 fiscal year in partnership with Congress.

The EU and the United States welcome Armenia’s commitment to improving its connections with the outside world, including the 'Peace Crossroads' initiative, which will foster overall prosperity and regional economic and trade diversification.

The EU and the U.S. intend to provide additional assistance to help Armenia mitigate risks, diversify trade, and strengthen economic and institutional resilience. To strengthen the new Armenia-EU Partnership agenda, the EU will announce the 'Resilience and Growth in Armenia' program for 2024-2027, amounting to €270 million.

The 'EU Resilience and Growth' program aims to strengthen Armenia's socio-economic resilience while supporting trade diversification. It will also address the long-term needs of internally displaced persons. It will enhance sectoral cooperation with Armenia while increasing support for regulatory alignment aimed at unlocking the full potential of the CEPA.

The EU will continue to support key sectors ranging from trade diversification, infrastructure development, energy to aviation security. President von der Leyen also referenced the benefits of the Economic and Investment Plan launched in 2021, which has already mobilized more than €550 million in investments through grants and private and public investments in Armenia.

In line with the Economic and Investment Plan, the 'Resilience and Growth' EU program will increase support for strategic investments, particularly in transport infrastructure, digital and energy sectors, and will invest in business development, contributing to job creation and economic growth. The Economic and Investment Plan has the potential to deliver economic advantages through peace, including in terms of regional connectivity, if and when conditions allow. The EU will also explore ways to support mobility.

The United States is working with Armenia across several sectors to promote economic growth and reforms, trade diversification, and resilience. The U.S. will collaborate with Armenia to attract additional U.S. investments, optimize technology trade opportunities, enhance cooperation in cybersecurity, and expand technological infrastructure. The United States is committed to ensuring Armenia has a secure, reliable, and safe energy future by supporting energy diversification and exploring the feasibility of new nuclear energy options for peaceful purposes, where nuclear safety and non-proliferation standards will be a priority.

The United States is dedicated to enhancing Armenia’s food security and facilitating the flow of agricultural products across Armenia’s borders.

Considering the ongoing challenges Armenia faces with over 100,000 displaced persons and refugees, the European Union and the United States intend to continue to support Armenia's efforts to provide housing, training, job opportunities, and psychosocial assistance to those in need, ensuring dignified living conditions for the displaced.

Since September 2023, the EU has rapidly mobilized €18 million in humanitarian aid and €15 million in budget support to respond to urgent socio-economic needs of refugees. Thus, the total humanitarian assistance to the affected population since 2020 amounts to €38.4 million. The EU stands beside Armenia to address and support the long-term needs of refugees. The EU 'Resilience and Growth' program will also include budget support aimed at the long-term economic and social inclusion of displaced persons.

Similarly, starting from September 2023, the United States has announced more than $7 million in humanitarian assistance for displaced and refugee individuals. With this funding, the total volume of U.S. humanitarian assistance since September 2020 will reach about $31 million. Under this U.S. aid, vital food assistance, humanitarian protection, and temporary shelter have been provided, and it will continue to respond to the needs of displaced persons and refugees. The United States will support Armenia's efforts to alleviate pressure on public services and infrastructure and contribute to social cohesion and economic development.

A prosperous, sovereign, and democratic Armenia, developing its own partnership relations and freely determining its path will contribute to regional stability and prosperity.