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In Brussels, within the framework of the high-level launch event of the “Connectivity Agenda Platform,” the European Commission, the European Investment Bank (EIB), and the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure of Armenia signed a joint statement of intent, formally marking the launch of advisory support under the Eastern Partnership Investment in Connectivity (EPIC) initiative.
According to a press release from the Armenian ministry, the initiative provides support for preparatory work on the strategic road routes of Akhurik–Kayan and Margara–Kayan, which will connect border checkpoints to Armenia’s road network.
In the first phase, the European Investment Bank will provide advisory assistance aimed at defining the scope of the necessary studies and developing feasible solutions for these road projects.
The projects are being implemented within the framework of the Armenian government’s “Crossroads of Peace” initiative and aim to contribute to the development of regional transport connectivity, strengthen Armenia’s role as a reliable transport and logistics hub, and advance the EU’s Connectivity Agenda.
On June 23, the European Commission launched the Connectivity Agenda Platform and concluded agreements with international financial institutions expected to mobilize up to €2 billion for strategic connectivity investments in the Black Sea region and the South Caucasus.
The Platform was unveiled at a high-level ministerial meeting hosted by Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos, Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela, and Commissioner for Sustainable Transport Apostolos Tzitzikostas. The meeting brought together ministers of transport and senior representatives from EU Member States, Armenia, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Republic of Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Türkiye, Ukraine and Uzbekistan, alongside representatives of the G7 and international financial institutions, to advance the Cross-regional Connectivity Agenda under the Global Gateway strategy.
The Connectivity Agenda Platform will provide a framework for participating countries, international financial institutions and other stakeholders to coordinate investments and policy action across transport, energy, digital connectivity and trade sectors. To further strengthen the cooperation with the region, the participants also agreed to strengthen the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor's operational performance. They invited the Commission to assess the corridor's functioning and propose priority actions to improve its competitiveness.
To support the implementation of the Connectivity Agenda, the Commission has concluded statements of intent with international financial institutions expected to mobilize up to €2 billion for investments in transport infrastructure, border crossing points and trade facilitation across the Black Sea region and the South Caucasus. These investments will help improve cross-border connections and facilitate trade along the corridor.