Rasmussen calls for full activation of EU Global Gateway to support Armenia’s Crossroads of Peace

The Crossroads of Peace Conference - organized by Rasmussen Global, an international political consultancy founded by former NATO Secretary General and former Danish Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen, was held in Brussels. 
 

The purpose of the conference was to garner international support for the ‘Crossroads of Peace’ initiative, presented by the Armenian government, aimed at strengthening peace in the South Caucasus through economic interconnectedness.

Armen Grigoryan, the Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia, was among the participants of the conference.

Anders Fogh Rasmussen delivered remarks.

He emphasized that U.S. President Donald Trump’s efforts for peace have created an opportunity that must be seized. He called on Europe to step up — to play a role in bringing about a sustainable peace and in supporting projects that create good jobs and real prosperity for people throughout the South Caucasus.

“Armenia is a democratic bright spot in a difficult neighbourhood," Rasmussen said.

"It’s a country that has made important progress — strengthening its democracy, growing its economy, and diversifying its foreign policy — moving away from Russia and towards Europe.

Since I left NATO, I have been working to strengthen our alliance of democracies — in Ukraine, in Asia, and across Europe. And I am very proud to support those stronger ties with a thriving democracy in Armenia.

So, Mr. Secretary — Armen — I’m glad to welcome you back to Brussels. We are meeting today at an important moment: for Armenia, for Azerbaijan, and for Europe.

President Trump’s efforts for peace have created an opening — an opportunity that must be seized. Peace in the South Caucasus is within reach. A peace agreement, already backed by Armenia, could bring a new era of prosperity for both Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Nvidia’s $1.5 billion investment in Armenia shows what is possible if peace is secured.

I have visited Armenia on several occasions. My most recent visit was this spring, where I met with Prime Minister Pashinyan, as well as with civic leaders and staff from the EU Monitoring Mission in Armenia. I have seen the desire for peace — not only from political leaders, but from the people of Armenia. They are ready to turn the page on conflict.

The desire for peace is not confined by borders. And I have no doubt that ordinary Azeris want the same thing. The challenge now is for Europe to step up — to play a role in bringing about a sustainable peace and in supporting projects that create good jobs and real prosperity for people throughout the South Caucasus.

The Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity is one example. And most importantly, the Crossroads of Peace must be at the top of that list. Roads, bridges, improved border crossings, railways — these are projects that will boost trade, improve connectivity, support peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and support the normalization of relations between Armenia and Türkiye.

These should be priorities for Europe. Europe has long called for them. And that is why the EU’s Global Gateway should be activated — in full force — to support the Crossroads of Peace.

Because these projects will have a benefit for Europe as well. They will create new economic opportunities and strengthen the cause of peace in our immediate neighbourhood. They will help to strengthen the cause of democracy in Armenia and help to lessen Russia’s influence in a critical region. They will create new trade routes for our businesses — opening up the road to new ties with India. And they will help reinforce for ordinary people — in Armenia, in Türkiye, and in Azerbaijan — that deeper ties with Europe mean more prosperity for them and their communities.

Ladies and gentlemen, I want to thank you all for being here — for playing a part in these important discussions. Peace in the South Caucasus is within reach, and I hope that Azerbaijan agrees to it soon.

But to make peace last, we must strengthen economic ties — within the South Caucasus and between the region and Europe. That is what this conference is about: peace, prosperity, and how we can achieve it together,” Rasmussen said.

Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia Armen Grigoryan stated that the Crossroads of Peace is not merely an infrastructure initiative; it is a vision of connectivity, interdependence, and cooperation—both within the region and beyond its borders.

Grigoryan also recalled the Joint Declaration signed in Washington on August 8, 2025, by the leaders of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and the United States. He said this was a historic event that laid the foundation for peace and prosperity and marked a decisive step toward the opening of the region.

According to him, lasting peace is possible only when it is accompanied by mutual economic interests and political will.

Gert Jan Koopman, Director-General of the Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations at the European Commission, EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia, Magdalena Grono and other officials, including from Armenia, attended the event.

The speakers addressed Armenia’s democratic progress and the European Union’s role in the peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

The conference also touched upon Armenia’s technological progress, emphasizing that innovation can become the cornerstone of sustainable regional development.

In response to a question from Armenpress regarding Türkiye’s role in the peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan, panel participants concurred that there is noticeable new energy and a new approach in the region.

Türkiye is attempting to find its constructive role in the process, while EU member states should engage more actively with Ankara to explain that this is a unique opportunity for cooperation, which Türkiye should seize, according to the speakers.