Brussels: European Union leaders have lauded Armenia's initiatives to enhance stability in the South Caucasus, emphasizing its efforts towards normalizing relations with Türkiye and achieving a historic peace agreement with Azerbaijan. This commendation came during a meeting in Brussels, where European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa engaged in discussions with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to address regional developments and strengthen EU-Armenia relations.

According to TRTworld.com, von der Leyen highlighted Armenia's draft peace treaty with Azerbaijan as a pivotal moment for the region, signifying an end to decades of hostility. She expressed optimism about the swift signing of this treaty. The meeting also celebrated advancements in visa liberalization and Armenia's newly implemented legislation that initiates its European integration process.

The EU leaders expressed strong support for Armenia's integration into regional infrastructure and economic initiatives, especially those associated with the Black Sea. Brussels reiterated its commitment to Armenia's development through increased financial and technical aid, with EU investments expected to reach $2.9 billion under the Global Gateway strategy.

A vital component of the discussions was the $317 million Resilience and Growth Plan, which was announced in April and increases EU funding by 50 percent to support reforms and investments in crucial sectors. The EU reaffirmed support for Armenia's Crossroads of Peace initiative, which aims to open regional trade routes, including those with Türkiye and Azerbaijan.

Security cooperation was another focal point, marked by the initiation of new EU-Armenia Security and Defense consultations. This development reflects Brussels' growing influence in the South Caucasus amid diminishing traditional Russian sway. The EU leaders emphasized that the meeting represented a significant step forward in advancing relations and anticipated further progress at the forthcoming EU-Armenia Partnership Council in the autumn.

Pashinyan's visit follows a recent trip by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas to Yerevan, where both parties reaffirmed their commitment to enhanced cooperation and enduring regional peace.