ArmInfo. The EU expects that the 270 million euros resilience and growth program for Armenia will leverage an additional 2.5 billion euro in mobilized investments, as stated by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen following the first EU-Armenia Summit.
The Head of the European Commission assured that Armenia has long been a valued member of the wider European family. According to her, the peaceful Velvet Revolution of 2018 demonstrated Armenia's commitment to European values and democracy, including respect for the rule of law and fundamental freedoms. " Today, I want to express our firm support and partnership with Armenia. We live in a volatile geopolitical context, and in this challenging environment, - this first-ever EU Armenia Summit could not be more timely. It is the opportunity to deepen our bonds, and take our unique partnership to the next level. We will do so along four key priorities," von der Leyen said. According to her, the first area is connectivity, and the document signed in Yerevan takes cooperation to a new level of ambition. " Few countries are as uniquely positioned as Armenia. Your "Crossroads of Peace" initiative has the potential to link Europe with the South Caucasus and Central Asia. And to turn Armenia into a key transport hub," she said.
Von der Leyen then stated the EU's readiness to work on rebuilding border crossings once border crossings reopen with neighboring countries. " We know how important it is for a landlocked country like Armenia to be firmly integrated into a regional transport network. This is why we will support your integration into key transport networks, like the Trans Caspian Corridor. It is a route that is also of strategic importance for Europe, also given the growing flows of trade between our two regions. This is why today we are launching a High-Level Dialogue on Transport. As transport networks are a driving force for competitiveness," the head of the European Commission said.
According to her, the second area is energy, as the rapid development of solar energy in Armenia is of great importance. Noting Yerevan's commitment to diversifying Armenia's energy sector, von der Leyen noted that this is of paramount importance, especially given the energy crisis on the international stage. " e are supporting projects to further boost your energy independence, specifically in view of the precious renewable resources you were describing. This already includes 25 million EUR for the Caucasus Transmission Network. And investment in energy storage, for your security of supply," the EU official noted According to von der Leyen, the third area is artificial intelligence and engineering. "We are encouraging European companies to invest here, - where talent and opportunities come together. Armenia is the place to be," she said.
Von der Leyen also identified strengthening cooperation between Armenia and the EU in the security sector as a priority area of cooperation. " Under the European Peace Facility, we are supporting the Armenian Armed Forces. But Armenia also has to counter foreign information manipulation, hybrid threats and interference. Our new EU Partnership mission will support you in countering hybrid threats and disinformation. Because one thing is absolutely clear, the Armenian people's will must remain the only legitimate source of power in the country," she stated.
The head of the European Commission then touched on economic support and social sustainability for Armenia. " Two years ago, we launched Resilience and Growth Plan for Armenia. Worth a 270 million euro. Its implementation is progressing well. We now expect the plan to leverage 2.5 billion euro in mobilised investments. We are supporting Armenian businesses, helping them grow and innovate, and access new markets. We are investing in skills and employment, but also on demining which is vital for safety and recovery. And we are providing much-needed support, including housing, to those displaced from Karabakh," the head of the European Commission concluded.
