EU to invest in Armenia's infrastructure projects - Ursula von der Leyen

YEREVAN, APRIL 5, ARMENPRESS. Ahead of the Armenia-EU-US tripartite meeting to be held in Brussels, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that the EU has pledged to stand shoulder to shoulder with Armenia and is fulfilling that promise today. Ursula Von der Leyen said this during the press conference preceding the Pashinyan-Blinken-Von der Leyen meeting.

According to Armenpress Brussels correspondent, Von der Leyen mentioned that the vision of partnership with Armenia would be implemented through a program aimed at enhancing Armenia's resilience. "We will make investments to strengthen Armenia's economy and society, making them more robust and stable in the face of shocks," said the President of the European Commission, referring to the 270 million euro grant, which will particularly aid small and medium-sized companies.

According to Ursula von der Leyen, the EU will invest in Armenia, especially in infrastructure projects, particularly in the Black Sea power cable project, as well as in renewable energy production. Von der Leyen welcomed the "Crossroads of Peace" project of the Armenian government and noted that the EU will also explore cross-border transport when conditions allow.

The President of the European Commission spoke about the new support package, the European Economic and Investment Program for Armenia. "It has already mobilized half a billion euros for investments. This is great news and we can do more. That's why we have recently launched the investment coordination platform, so that we can identify new projects and speed up implementation," Von der Leyen said.

The President of the European Commission welcomed Armenia's efforts towards democratic reforms, despite the challenges faced by the country, and reaffirmed that the EU will continue to support the ongoing reforms through advice, technical assistance, and funding.

Ursula von der Leyen added that they do not forget about the difficult situation of displaced Artsakh Armenians. "The humanitarian situation of refugees in Armenia remains a priority. We have provided more than thirty million euros to support them, and we are ready to do more," said President von der Leyen, noting that they can count on the United States as a loyal and like-minded partner in this effort.

"We will continue to work together for the sake of Armenia's future, in the stable and prosperous South Caucasus region," concluded the President of the European Commission.

LILIT GASPARYAN