Armenia

EU – Armenia Relations

The EU cooperates with Armenia through the Eastern Partnership, the eastern dimension of the European Neighbourhood Policy. Relations are grounded in the EU-Armenia Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA), signed in Brussels in November 2017 and in force since 1 March 2021. 

CEPA establishes a modern, comprehensive, and ambitious framework for cooperation across key areas such as energy, transport, environment, trade, and governance, ultimately benefiting Armenian citizens. It reflects the evolving political and economic interests shared by both sides.

In December 2025, both sides adopted Strategic Agenda for the EU-Armenia Partnership. This is an ambitious “roadmap” to boost the implementation of the CEPA. It is based on three building blocks: 1) reinforced security and defence cooperation; 2) increased sectoral cooperation supporting economic diversification, further regulatory alignment in key sectors; and 3) renewed investments under the Global Gateway in line with the political priorities.

EU – Armenia Cooperation

The EU is Armenia’s largest donor and a key political and economic partner.

To support this Agenda, President Ursula von der Leyen announced a €270 million Resilience and Growth Plan (RGP) for 2024–2027. EU assistance focuses on three strategic priorities:

• Investing in connectivity and business development
• Bringing Armenia closer to the EU, through regulatory alignment and visa liberalisation dialogue
• Building a resilient and inclusive society

Funding is provided under the NDICI–Global Europe instrument, guided by the Multiannual Indicative Programme (2021-2027) and the Multiannual Action Plan (2025-2027). Armenia also benefits from regional initiatives supporting civil society, digitalisation, and sustainable development under the Eastern Partnership framework.

Since the adoption of the Resilience and Growth Plan , the EU-Armenia joint investment portfolio under the Global Gateway has grown significantly – reaching over €2.5 billion in expected mobilised investments. Projects focus on support to small and medium-sized enterprises, transport, education, energy efficiency, and water management, as well as large-scale connectivity infrastructure linked to Armenia’s Crossroads of Peace initiative. initiative.

A dedicated Team Europe Initiative (TEI) Resilient Syunik is supporting the sustainable long-term development of the Syunik region. The Initiative aims to strengthen the region’s socioeconomic and institutional resilience by i) improving business environment for MSMEs and the private sector; ii) increasing access to reliable potable water supplies; iii) enhancing quality education and health services; iv) promoting green and sustainable development; v) fostering social inclusion for vulnerable groups. Some €200 million have been allocated to support more than 80 ongoing projects under the Initiative.

Regional context

EU-Armenia relations are also shaped by the EU’s broader Strategic Approach to the Black Sea region, announced in May 2025. The EU will take forward regional cooperation on connectivity through closer cooperation with Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, Georgia, Türkiye, Armenia and Azerbaijan. The strategy seeks to bring tangible benefits to Black Sea partners and the EU by investing in and deepening key mutually beneficial partnerships.

Key facts and figures

Stronger Economy

• In 2024, the EU supported 11,853 small and medium-sized enterprises and funded 40 projects. Together, these projects generated over 27,300 new jobs and contributed to a notable 17.2% increase in the total turnover of small and medium-sized enterprises in Armenia.
• In 2025, two projects, financed by the European Bank of Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), were signed: One for the Yerevan Customs and Logistics Centre, advancing trade diversification; another supporting business expansion for refugees and host communities, promoting socio-economic inclusion and private sector development.

Stronger Governance

• The EU supports democratic reforms, rule of law, anti-discrimination efforts, and the promotion and protection of human and fundamental rights through regional projects, such as the Partnership for Good Governance together with the Council of Europe.
• The EU stands firmly committed to helping the Armenian Government improve electoral legislation and strategic communication.
• The EU supports civil society, with a focus on democratic governance and policy dialogue, through the Country Roadmap for Engagement (2021-2027), providing over €3 million annually, with €9 million allocated for 2025-2027.
• Armenia has become a regional leader in e-governance, thanks to EU-funded systems for e-documents, tax declarations, e-visas, as well as civil status, vehicle and business registries.
• Over €40 million in budget support and technical assistance is dedicated to implementing the government’s anti-corruption strategy and customs/border reforms.
• Cooperation also includes reforming justice and policing.

Stronger Connectivity

• The EU promotes regional connectivity through the Strategic Approach to the Black Sea region and a dedicated Connectivity Agenda, remaining committed to contributing to a prosperous and stable South Caucasus by fostering ties across the region, bringing economies and people closer together.
• Armenia plays a key role in the joint development of the Cross-Regional Connectivity Agenda linking Europe, the South Caucasus, Türkiye, and Central Asia.
• The EU supports small and medium-sized enterprises financing, education infrastructure, and water management under Global Gateway.
• The EU initiated a comprehensive  EU-Armenia Air Transport Agreement. Once in force, the Agreement will pave the way for a larger exchange of travellers, lower airfare prices, and new business opportunities.

Stronger Society

• A visa liberalisation dialogue was launched in September 2024, covering key areas such as border management, migration and asylum, security of travel documents, public order, external relations and fundamental rights. In November 2025, the EU presented a formal Visa Liberalisation Action Plan (VLAP) to Armenian authorities. Once Armenia fulfils the benchmarks set out in the VLAP and implements required reforms, Armenians will enjoy visa-free short stays (up to 90 days in any 180-day period) in the EU.
• Between 2022–2024, 2,555 students and academics from Armenia participated in Erasmus+ exchanges.
• The EU is providing €32 million for the education sector (2023-2025), focusing on secondary schooling and supporting access to quality learning in rural areas. In 2024, renovation processes started in at least 7 schools, and multi-age classes were introduced in 117 educational centres in the Syunik region.
• Following the September 2023 displacement of over 115,000 Armenians, the EU allocated €70 million for humanitarian aid and socio-economic inclusion measures.

Further information

Factsheets available to download