DAILY NEWS
Brussels, 05 May 2026
Commissioner Lahbib visits Cyprus to discuss fire preparedness and inclusive Europe
Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management, Hadja Lahbib, will visit Cyprus on 6-7 May 2026, where she will participate in the 3rd Euro-Mediterranean Workshop on Fire Risks, co-organised by the European Commission, Cyprus, on behalf of the Council of the EU, and the Union for the Mediterranean. The workshop will focus on fire risk management, addressing both wildfires and industrial fire risks, recognising that fire emergencies increasingly represent a systemic regional challenge requiring integrated and cross-sectoral approaches. The discussions take place after the adoption of the Commission Communication on integrated wildfire risk management and few days after the Commission adopted its Proposal for a Council Recommendation on this issue.
Commissioner Lahbib will also visit the new firefighting hub hosted near Paphos, in the west of Cyprus. Announced by President Ursula von der Leyen during her State of the Union address, the European firefighting hub in Cyprus will strengthen the EU's ability to respond rapidly and effectively to wildfire emergencies and boost capacity via training sessions. Just in the past days, several Member States, including the Netherlands, Germany, Italy and the Czech Republic, were hit by wildfires. This further underscores the importance of cross-border and regional cooperation.
On Thursday, the Commissioner will attend the high-level conference on 'Inclusion of persons with disabilities: empowerment and support in a community for all' hosted by Cyprus. At the conference, the Commissioner will present the enhanced Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities up to 2030, due to be presented on 6 May.
On the margins of the conference, Commissioner Lahbib will meet with the Cypriot Deputy Minister of Social Welfare, Clea Hadjistephanou Papaellina, and the President of the European Disability Forum, Yannis Vardakastanis, with whom she will discuss the importance of empowering persons with disabilities and ensuring their autonomy.
(For more information: Eva Hrnčířová – Tel.: +32 2 298 84 33; Quentin Cortès – Tel.: +32 2 296 47 35).
Payments under NextGenerationEU reach €400 billion
The European Commission has today disbursed a combined €5.85 billion to Germany and Slovakia under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) - the centrepiece of NextGenerationEU - bringing the total RRF funds disbursed across the EU to over €400 billion. This landmark figure underscores the Facility's pivotal role in driving transformative reforms and investments that accelerate Europe's energy independence, the green and digital transitions, and the Union's long-term resilience and competitiveness.
As NextGenerationEU enters its final phase, its impact is increasingly tangible—strengthening the EU's ability to navigate the energy crisis while laying the foundations for a sustainable, innovative, and inclusive future.
President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen said: "Reaching €400 billion in NextGenerationEU disbursements is more than a milestone—it is proof of Europe's determination to turn crisis into opportunity. We are building a Union that is greener, more competitive, and fairer for all. As we enter the final phase of this historic programme, our focus remains clear: delivering results that secure Europe's resilience, leadership in the global green transition, and prosperity for generations to come."
€4.6 billion disbursement to Germany
The Commission made a €4.6 billion disbursement to Germany, marking the country's third payment under the RRF. This funding supports key measures, including:
This disbursement follows Germany's third payment request, submitted on 16 February 2026 and approved by the Commission on 13 March 2026. To date, Germany has received 80% of its total €30.3 billion grant allocation, with 79% of all milestones and targets under its national recovery and resilience plan now fulfilled.
€1.25 billion disbursement to Slovakia
The Commission made a €1.25 billion disbursement to Slovakia, covering the country's sixth and seventh payments under the RRF. These funds support a broad range of reforms and investments, such as:
Today's disbursement follows Slovakia's sixth payment request (submitted on 30 June 2025, and approved by the Commission on 16 January 2026) and seventh payment request (submitted on 28 November 2025, and approved by the Commission on 10 February 2026). Slovakia has now received 81% of its total €6.4 billion allocation, with 62% of all milestones and targets under its national recovery plan completed.
Background
The Recovery and Resilience Facility has been instrumental in mitigating the economic and social impact of the COVID-19 pandemic while positioning the EU for long-term success. With up to €577 billion available in grants and loans, the RRF supports Member States' efforts to:
Payments under the RRF are performance-based, ensuring that funds are disbursed only upon the successful implementation of agreed reforms and investments. With the RRF set to conclude at the end of 2026, Member States must complete all remaining milestones by August 2026 and submit final payment requests by September 2026.
For more information
Recovery and Resilience Facility
Recovery and Resilience Facility project map
Recovery and Resilience Scoreboard
Recovery and Resilience Facility Regulation
Recovery and Resilience payment claim process
EU as a borrower
Quote(s)
Reaching €400 billion in NextGenerationEU disbursements is more than a milestone—it is proof of Europe’s determination to turn crisis into opportunity. We are building a Union that is greener, more competitive, and fairer for all. As we enter the final phase of this historic programme, our focus remains clear: delivering results that secure Europe’s resilience, leadership in the global green transition, and prosperity for generations to come.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission
(For further information: Maciej Berestecki – Tel.: +32 2 296 64 83; Anna Wartberger – Tel.: +32 2 28 20 54)
Commission launches call for founding members of new EU-Ukraine Drone Alliance
Today, the European Commission launched a call for expressions of interest for founding members of the EU-Ukraine Drone Alliance. This alliance will strengthen the EU's and Ukraine's security and defence by fostering an innovative defence drone-industrial ecosystem.
The alliance follows President Ursula von der Leyen's 2025 State of the European Union address, where she announced measures to counter the growing threat of drone warfare.
The EU-Ukraine Drone Alliance will support the development of advanced drone and counter-drone technologies. As an industry-led ecosystem, it will contribute to European efforts to build a comprehensive drone and counter-drone capability, building on the Defence Readiness Roadmap 2030 and the Commission's Action Plan on Drone and Counter Drone Security.
Founding members will be selected from applicants with experience in the EU and Ukrainian defence drone ecosystem. They will form the first Board of the EU-Ukraine Drone Alliance and play a key role in shaping the Alliance's activities and priorities.
The Alliance is expected to be launched in the coming months, with applications open until 25 May 2026.
More information can be found online.
(For more information: Thomas Regnier – Tel: +32 2 299 10 99; Marine Strauss – Tel: +32 2 298 91 03)
EU combats cross-border tax fraud by strengthening data-sharing cooperation
The EU has taken a significant step towards combating cross-border tax fraud. The Council of the EU has agreed to strengthen cooperation and data sharing between national tax authorities, the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO), the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), and the Eurofisc network of Member State anti-fraud experts. This will help reduce the VAT gap, currently estimated at 128 billion. This is after the agreement on VAT in the Digital Age (VIDA), yet another step forward in our collective fight against VAT fraud.
The new agreement will streamline the process of accessing crucial information, which will allow EPPO and OLAF to investigate and prosecute cross-border fraud more effectively. The Eurofisc network will be mandated to share risk analysis results with EPPO and OLAF. Moreover, under strict conditions and in line with data protection rules, they will gain direct access to information in value-added tax.
This measure will increase fairness and better protect public funds. EPPO and OLAF will be empowered to successfully conclude more investigations. The EU can create a level playing field for businesses that follow the rules and ensure that those who engage in illicit activities are held accountable.
While the European Parliament is preparing its opinion on the proposal, the European Economic and Social Committee has already published its opinion. Find more information online.
(For more information: Louise Bogey – Tel.: +32 2 296 97 76; Kateřina Horáková - Tel.: +32 2 299 93 10)
Commission welcomes Serbia joining SEPA schemes, allowing for faster and cheaper euro transactions for citizens and businesses
Today, 18 banks in Serbia have officially joined the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) schemes. This will make euro currency transactions between these banks and the European Union more reliable, faster, and cheaper, potentially saving up to €400 million for individuals and businesses. For small and medium-sized enterprises, it will also simplify international transactions and facilitate more cross-border trade.
The decision was made by the European Payments Council after Serbia entered SEPA's geographical scope in May 2025. Serbia is the fifth EU enlargement partner to join the SEPA schemes, following Albania, Moldova, Montenegro and North Macedonia.
This development highlights how gradual integration can deliver concrete benefits to our partners and their citizens well ahead of EU accession. The European Commission will continue supporting this work, including through the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, which strengthens socio-economic ties with the EU, including by providing gradual access to certain areas of the EU single market, in line with EU standards and regulations.
(For more information: Guillaume Mercier — Tel.: +32 2 298 05 64; Yuliya Matsyk – Tel: +32 2 296 27 16)
Commission opens call for proposals to revitalise neighbourhoods across Europe
Today, the European Commission has opened a call for proposals under the New European Bauhaus (NEB) Facility to foster innovative solutions that will make European neighbourhoods more beautiful, inclusive and sustainable. The call will also contribute to tackling the housing affordability crisis.
For 2026, with an overall budget of around €101 million from Horizon Europe, the EU's flagship programme for research and innovation, the NEB Facility will fund selected projects in three areas: connecting the green transition, social inclusion and local democracy; circular and regenerative approaches for the built environment; and innovative funding and new business models for neighbourhood transformation.
Interested and eligible applicants can submit their proposals until 1 December 2026 on the EU Funding and Tenders Portal. You can also find all open and upcoming calls online on the New European Bauhaus website.
Running from 2025 to 2027, the NEB Facility is the first-ever multiannual financial tool for the New European Bauhaus. With a total budget of around €360 million for research and innovation from Horizon Europe and at least a similar level of investment from other EU programmes, in addition to national and private funding, this pioneering financing instrument revitalises and transforms neighbourhoods. It promotes innovative solutions and access to affordable housing. The financing instrument supports innovation towards a sustainable, circular, and regenerative construction sector. And it enables change through research and innovation to foster social cohesion and well-being.
More information is available online.
(For more information: Anna-Kaisa Itkonen – Tel.: +32 2 295 75 01; Anni Juusola - Tel.: +32 2 296 09 86)
Commission launches landmark ‘Right to Stay' Strategy
Tomorrow, 6 May, Executive Vice-President for Cohesion and Reforms Raffaele Fitto will host a high-level event in the European Parliament to mark the official launch of the preparatory and stakeholder engagement process of the ‘Right to Stay Strategy'. This is a flagship policy framework designed to ensure that all Europeans can remain and build their future in the place they call home, rather than being forced to relocate due to economic decline or lack of opportunities and essential services.
The launch event will bring together EU institutions, national and regional leaders, policymakers and civil society organisations to shape the strategy. Alongside Executive Vice-President Fitto, key speakers include: Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament; Minister of Finance Makis Keravnos, representing the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU; Kata Tüttő, President of the European Committee of the Regions; and Enrico Letta, former prime minister of Italy and author of the report Much More than a Market which highlighted how growing regional divides risk pushing people, particularly young workers, to abandon their hometowns in search of better prospects.
Discussions will focus on how to ensure that the Right to Stay, highlighted in the EU's 2024–2029 political priorities and in Executive Vice-President Fitto's mission letter, can further reinforce cohesion, competitiveness, and territorial fairness in the whole EU.
Executive Vice-President Fitto said: “The ‘Right to Stay' is about people, communities, and territories. It is about giving all Europeans back the freedom to remain, to grow, and to build their future in the place they call home. Leaving should always be a free choice — never a necessity driven by a lack of opportunities. That is why we are working to make every European region more competitive, more connected, and more attractive by investing in services, connectivity, and education. Because when territories grow and develop, people can truly choose to stay, succeed, and belong.”
The event will be webstreamed live.
(For more information: Maciej Berestecki — Tel.: + 32 2 296 64 83; Isabel Arriaga e Cunha – Tel: +32 2 295 21 17)
Commission publishes 2025 Report on competition policy
The European Commission has published its Report on competition policy for 2025. The report presents the main legislative initiatives and policy developments of 2025, as well as a selection of enforcement actions, to citizens, businesses and the competition policy community.
The report shows competition policy is a key driver for a competitive, clean, just, and resilient Single Market. In a period of geopolitical tensions and significant technology shifts, the Commission continued its wide-ranging review of regulations and guidelines. These reviews aim to keep competition rules relevant and effective in a rapidly changing world, while maintaining continuity in policy-making and enforcement. This process also focuses on simplifying procedures and reducing costs for all parties involved.
The report is submitted to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee, and the European Committee of the Regions, illustrating the cooperation between EU institutions. The full text of the report and the accompanying staff working document, which includes a comprehensive overview of policy developments and enforcement actions sector by sector, are available online. An infographic providing an overview of key milestones reached in 2025, is also available online.
(For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 2 298 01 00; Luuk de Klein – Tel.: +32 2 299 47 74)
Commissioner McGrath hosts dialogue on enforcement of EU consumer protection rules
Tomorrow, Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, Michael McGrath will host an Implementation Dialogue in Brussels on the Consumer Protection Cooperation (CPC) Regulation.
The dialogue will bring together businesses, consumer organisations, trade unions, and national enforcement authorities to discuss ways to enhance the enforcement of EU consumer protection law, particularly in the digital economy.
The dialogue will focus on lessons learned from the application of the current CPC Regulation and the challenges posed by the digital world. Participants will explore ways to strengthen enforcement, establish more effective fines for non-compliance, and improve coordination among national authorities. They will also address the need for clearer rules on enforcement against traders based outside the EU that do not comply with EU consumer law and the interplay of the EU rulebook. In this context, participants will also discuss the upcoming Digital Fairness Act.
The dialogue will feed into the upcoming revision of the CPC Regulation, scheduled for later this year. With this event, the Commission is following up on its commitment under the 2030 Consumer Agenda. It also follows the 2025 implementation dialogue on consumer protection in the digital environment.
Implementation dialogues underscore the Commission's efforts to promote the EU's competitiveness by directly engaging stakeholders in policy implementation.
(For more information: Markus Lammert – Tel.: +32 2 296 75 33; Antoine Lomba – Tel.: +32 2 299 32 33)
Commissioner Tzitzikostas meets aviation stakeholders to discuss modernising Europe's air traffic management
Today, Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas will host a high-level dialogue on the future of Europe's air traffic management (ATM) under the Single European Sky (SES2+) framework – the EU's initiative to make air travel in Europe safer and more efficient by improving how airspace is managed.
Europe's ATM sector is under growing strain as demand continues to rise faster than capacity. Ageing infrastructure, staff shortages, fragmented airspace, and evolving operational requirements are contributing to congestion and delays across the network, affecting both passengers and airlines.
The meeting, taking place in Brussels, will bring together key aviation stakeholders to take stock of the first year of SES2+ implementation and discuss how to tackle the sector's most pressing challenges. The discussions will focus on ensuring sufficient capacity to accommodate dense and growing air traffic across the EU, reducing delays and cancellations, maintaining the highest safety standards, and improving environmental performance.
The Commissioner will exchange on how to speed up the modernisation of Europe's airspace, including through targeted financial support and stronger implementation of EU rules. The dialogue will gather views on related initiatives such as the SESAR programmes aiming to modernise Europe's ATM infrastructure and operational procedures, the performance and charging scheme, the Common Project Regulation, and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency regulatory framework.
Ahead of the meeting, Commissioner Tzitzikostas said: “A modern, efficient, and sustainable air traffic management system is essential for Europe's connectivity and competitiveness. This dialogue is an opportunity to work closely together with stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of the Single European Sky, drive the modernisation of our airspace, and deliver a more resilient and better performing European airspace for the benefit of citizens and businesses.”
See the webpage on the implementation dialogue for more information.
Tentative agendas for forthcoming Commission meetings
Note that these items can be subject to changes.
Upcoming events of the European Commission
Eurostat press releases
Calendar items of the President and Commissioners
Individual calendars of the President and Commissioners
EU and Japan accelerate cooperation on AI, data, quantum and chips
At the fourth meeting of the EU-Japan Digital Partnership Council in Brussels, the European Union and Japan agreed on new steps to deepen regulatory, research and industry cooperation on data, AI, quantum, semiconductors, digital infrastructure and online platforms.
These steps will improve cross-border data flows, advance interoperable digital identities and strengthen cooperation on research, platform regulation and digital infrastructure while delivering tangible benefits for citizens and businesses.
The meeting brought together Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, Henna Virkkunen and Japanese ministers Hisashi Matsumoto, Minister for Digital Transformation, Yoshimasa Hayashi, Minister for Internal Affairs and Communication, and Toshiyuki Ochi, Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry.
Data governance and data flows
To improve data sharing, the EU and Japan deepened discussions on the joint development and interoperability of data spaces. They agreed to launch a Data Strategy Working Group to improve the interoperability of data policy frameworks, helping to boost competitiveness and innovation. They also welcomed the successful conclusion of talks to expand the scope of the EU adequacy decision on Japan to academia and research, helping to facilitate joint research and innovation.
Digital identity
A successful pilot on interoperable digital identities showed that cross-border use is technically possible, even where governance frameworks and technical architectures differ. Using prototypes of digital identity wallets, the project demonstrated how interoperability can be achieved in practice between different systems.
Artificial intelligence
As global leaders in frontier AI, the EU and Japan are working together to ensure that emerging technologies serve the public good while maintaining their competitive edge. They welcomed the agreement on the future association of Japan to Horizon Europe, which will accelerate joint research, including in digital areas such as AI. They also committed to conclude a Cooperation Arrangement to deepen collaboration on AI research and innovation, as well as AI safety.
Quantum
The Letter of Intent, signed in 2025, has enabled deeper cooperation in quantum science and technology. The EU and Japan welcomed the launch of the joint research project Q-Neko. This project brings together European and Japanese partners to advance hybrid computing environments and explore quantum-enabled solutions in areas such as material science, CO2 reduction, communication networks, fluid dynamics, satellite image analysis and beyond. Partners also agreed to explore further cooperation possibilities in quantum, including with industry players.
Digital infrastructure and standardisation
From submarine cables to semiconductors, critical global digital infrastructure is essential for a resilient digital backbone and economic security. The EU and Japan welcomed the meetings of the joint working group on policy issues for global connectivity, where the security and resilience of submarine cables, connectivity projects in the Indo-Pacific and Arctic connectivity were discussed, and they confirmed that these discussions will continue. The EU and Japan also welcomed progress of the joint research project on 6G, which contributes to reinforced European and Japanese leadership in 6G network technologies. On standardisation, they welcomed closer links between respective standardisation bodies.
Semiconductors
On semiconductors, the EU and Japan confirmed their intention to address challenges posed by non-market policies and practices, as well as supply chain dependencies in critical sectors. They also encouraged further exploration of collaborative research opportunities in next-generation semiconductor technologies.
Platforms
Cooperation on online platforms will be strengthened through a Cooperation Arrangement between the Japanese Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications and the European Commission's Directorate-General for Communications, Networks, Content and Technology. It will deepen cooperation on the transparency of content moderation systems and the effectiveness of reporting systems for illegal content and rights-infringing information. They also welcomed the Cooperation Arrangement signed in 2025 between the Japan Fair Trade Commission and the European Commission to promote fair and contestable digital markets.
Next Steps
As part of discussions, the EU and Japan agreed to begin working in new areas, including video games and audiovisual strategies. The fifth meeting of the Digital Partnership Council will take place in Tokyo in 2027.
The EU and Japan are among the world's leading digital economies. Since launching their Digital Partnership at the 29th Japan-EU summit in Tokyo in 2022, they have advanced their collaboration in many digital and tech areas.
Digital Partnerships are one of the ways the EU engages with like-minded countries on key digital priorities. The partnership with Japan provides a framework for collaborative research, regulatory dialogue, innovation collaboration and fostering common positions in international fora. This partnership aligns with the EU's strategy for cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, aimed at strengthening ties with countries in the region.
It also reflects the goals of the European Commission's International Digital Strategy to deepen existing ties and build new partnerships and dialogues.
Joint Statement
Third Digital Partnership Council
Digital Partnerships
The success of our partnership is rooted in our continued trusted discussions and collaboration. This cooperation enhances innovation and is essential for competitiveness and economic security. I am pleased that we are already seeing concrete outcomes and benefits, and I am looking forward to accelerating our close partnership.
Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy
Opening statement by President von der Leyen at the first EU-Armenia Summit
Thank you, Prime Minister, dear Nikol, for the warm reception you have given to my friend António and me receiving us here.
I would like to congratulate you, both for hosting the European Political Community yesterday here in beautiful Yerevan. And for your peace-oriented agenda. Armenia has long been a valued member of our broader European family. Your peaceful Velvet Revolution in 2018 demonstrated your country's commitment to core European values. That is democracy, 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.
First, connectivity. We have just signed a Connectivity Partnership. It brings a new level of ambition to our cooperation. Starting with transport. 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. We are ready to work on rebuilding border crossing points, as your frontiers reopen with neighbouring 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.
Turning to energy. Armenia's rapid expansion of solar energy is remarkable. It is a clear sign of your commitment to diversifying Armenia's energy mix. And it is of paramount importance given the energy crisis we are all facing. We 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.
Now turning to digital. Armenia's emerging AI and engineering ecosystem is a strength we want to build on. Together we have identified a wide set of projects, and we have witnessed the signature of several Letters of Intent with leading companies. We are encouraging European companies to invest here, - where talent and opportunities come together. Armenia is the place to be.
The second priority is stronger cooperation on security. 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.
The third priority is cooperation on visa policy and home affairs. Visa liberalisation is a priority that matters deeply to the Armenian people. And rightly so - since it is a key vehicle to bring our people closer together. So, we are pleased to present the first progress report on the implementation of the visa liberalisation action plan. And congratulation, it shows good work and progress since last November. I am absolutely convinced we are going to get there. Also today, we are also setting a new working arrangement between Frontex and Armenia. It will strengthen cooperation on border and migration management.
Last but not least, the fourth priority is continued economic support and societal resilience. 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.
So, a wide range of topics. I have just touched on the most important ones, but this, dear Nikol and dear António, shows the width and the depth of our cooperation, and I am very much looking forward to our next summit.
EU and Armenia sign connectivity partnership, strengthen economic ties and deepen security cooperation
Today, the European Union and Armenia held their first ever Summit in Yerevan, reinforcing cooperation in the areas of connectivity, security and defence, economic development and people-to-people contacts.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said: “This first EU-Armenia Summit elevates our partnership to a new level and sets a clear direction and agenda for the coming years. At the heart of this work is our joint commitment to peace and stability in the region. Going forward, we will also deepen political dialogue, strengthen economic ties, and work towards a more secure, prosperous, and stable future. Our cooperation is grounded in common values, a shared vision for the South Caucasus, and full respect for sovereign choices.”
The summit served to take stock of the EU-Armenia relations, as well as to address broader regional and global challenges, including the peace agenda and the normalisation of relations in the South Caucasus.
President von der Leyen, European Council President Costa together with Armenian Prime Minister Pashinyan 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 Crossroad 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, we are boosting economic growth in 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 the country. The signing of first Letters of Intent with selected private sector partners in the fields of digital infrastructure, semiconductor skills, innovation ecosystems, and private investment mobilisation aim to bring a tangible positive impact to the country.
The first progress report on Armenia's implementation of the visa liberalisation action plan was solemnly handed to the Armenians. This first report acknowledges good progress and provides recommendations on 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. Upon the request of Armenia, the EU will help enhancing Armenia's resilience. Additionally, the Armenian Armed Forces received the first deliveries of EU assistance under the European Peace Facility, with a total value of EUR 30 million.
The EU-Armenia partnership is based on the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA), and the Strategic Agenda for the EU-Armenia Partnership adopted in December 2025. The €270 million EU Resilience and Growth Plan for Armenia, announced in 2024, supports Armenia's socio-economic resilience through three pillars: investing in connectivity and business, bringing Armenia closer to the EU, and fostering a resilient and inclusive Armenian society. These frameworks support closer political dialogue, deeper economic integration, and stronger sectoral collaboration, with a focus on democratic reforms, trade diversification, energy security, and digital transformation.
EU-Armenia relations
“This first EU-Armenia Summit elevates our partnership to a new level and sets a clear direction and agenda for the coming years. At the heart of this work is our joint commitment to peace and stability in the region. Going forward, we will also deepen political dialogue, strengthen economic ties, and work towards a more secure, prosperous, and stable future. Our cooperation is grounded in common values, a shared vision for the South Caucasus, and full respect for sovereign choices.”