12:00 News in Brief: Pashinyan's Card Malfunctioned in the Metro, EU Supports Armenia's European Path

Last hour's news summarized and content-rich:

• The EU has announced its readiness to support Armenia's European integration goals. The topic has resurfaced against the backdrop of discussions regarding the choice between the EAEU and the EU.
• A representative of the “Strong Armenia” party spoke about the security risks associated with the “Trump’s path,” emphasizing the danger of proximity to Iran. He noted that this could create serious threats in the future.
• During his campaign, Nikol Pashinyan attempted to pay with a card on the metro but was denied several times. Ultimately, Tigran Avinyan paid on his behalf.
• Lawyer Ara Zohrabyan stated that the state cannot interfere in the internal affairs of the church, commenting on the situation surrounding the Diocese of Masis. He noted that the courts do not have jurisdiction over such disputes.
• The government plans to change the name of the Ministry of High-Tech Industry and include a focus on artificial intelligence. The draft also anticipates the establishment of a policy framework for the development of AI and cloud services.
• New regulations will come into effect in the management sector of multi-apartment buildings starting in 2026. There will be restrictions on the collection of cash payments and management requirements will be tightened.
• German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has arrived in Kyiv to discuss new military projects, including the joint development of drone systems.
• The head of EU diplomacy, Kaia Kallas, has rejected Gerhard Schröder's candidacy as Europe's representative in negotiations with Russia, stating that he could not be considered a neutral mediator.