Tension increases in Karabakh conflict zone (Updated at 1630 GMT)

The first Armenia–EU Summit was held in Yerevan on Tuesday, 5 May 2026. It marked a historic milestone in bilateral relations, featuring the signing of a number of strategic documents and new initiatives aimed at deepening cooperation. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and European Council President António Costa, together with other participants, witnessed the signing of the EU–Armenia Connectivity Partnership — a major step forward in strengthening transport, energy, and digital links. Fully aligned with the EU’s Cross-Regional Connectivity Agenda and Armenia’s Crossroads of Peace initiative, it will boost trade, create jobs, reinforce resilience, and support regional stability. The partnership will be institutionalised through a High-Level Dialogue on Connectivity, alongside a High-Level Transport Dialogue, also launched at the summit. Additionally, the EU is boosting economic growth in the country by launching a Call for Expressions of Interest, inviting companies in the EU, the European Economic Area, and Armenia to develop strategic investment projects in Armenia. The signing of the first Letters of Intent with selected private sector partners in the fields of digital infrastructure, semiconductor skills, innovation ecosystems, and private investment mobilisation aims to bring a tangible positive impact to Armenia. The first progress report on Armenia’s implementation of the visa liberalisation action plan was formally handed to the Armenian side. This first report acknowledges good progress and provides recommendations on the next steps in its implementation. In addition, leaders witnessed the initialling of a working arrangement between the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) and the Armenian Ministry of Internal Affairs, which will enhance cooperation on border and migration management, supporting Armenia in the implementation of the visa liberalisation action plan. On security and defence, leaders welcomed the establishment of an EU Partnership Mission in Armenia. (This article is part of the Armenia Season on commonspace.eu)