EU views TRIPP connectivity project in Armenia in broader Central Asia-Europe context

European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said that the EU views the TRIPP connectivity project in Armenia within a broader context, linking Central Asia with Europe.

At a press conference with visiting Armenian reporters in Brussels, Commissioner Kos was asked whether the EU is considering involvement in the TRIPP project.

She emphasized that the TRIPP project is an agreement between Armenia and the United States, and that the EU is engaged in discussions also with Washington, looking at the bigger picture in overall connectivity.

“TRIPP is the agreement between the United States of America and Armenia. And we are also talking to the Americans because for us having a bigger picture is the whole connectivity. It's from Central Asia to Europe. [TRIPP] is only 42 kilometres. For us, it is very much important that whatever we do, it will not be just this part, but that what goes to east and what goes to west will be done at the same time,” Commissioner Kos said.

The European Commissioner for Enlargement underscored that she requested Armenian officials to provide top priorities.

“We also have our own ideas. We are also discussing with Türkiye and we are also discussing with Azerbaijan. So it makes no sense that we do part by part. But in this respect, the cooperation or involvement of the United States of America is of a much higher importance than just building 42 kilometres of the railway,” Commissioner Marta Kos said.

The Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) is a connectivity project in Armenia, envisaged under the U.S.-brokered Armenian-Azerbaijani joint declaration signed in Washington, D.C. The project is expected to unlock strategic economic opportunities, create long-term benefits by promoting infrastructure investment, and enhance regional connectivity. TRIPP is part of the Crossroads of Peace project, and an Armenian-American joint enterprise is expected to develop the route.

EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia Magdalena Grono earlier announced that the EU explores investment opportunities in South Caucasus connectivity projects.