BRUSSELS – Amidst escalating tensions in the South Caucasus region, the United States and the European Union reaffirmed their unwavering support for Armenia and ethnic Armenians displaced from the Nagorno-Karabakh region during a meeting with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on Friday.
The commitment to bolster Armenia’s democratic and economic resilience was emphasized by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who underscored Washington’s backing for Armenia’s initiatives in areas such as food security, digital infrastructure, and energy sector diversification. Blinken emphasized the importance of supporting the 100,000 ethnic Armenians displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh, highlighting it as central to Armenia’s long-term stability.
Armenia’s relationship with Russia, its traditional ally, has faced strains, particularly in light of Moscow’s perceived failure to defend Armenia during Azerbaijan’s takeover of Nagorno-Karabakh in September 2023. Yerevan’s efforts to forge closer ties with the West have further complicated its relationship with Moscow.
While Russia, Azerbaijan, and Turkey criticized the Brussels meeting, citing concerns over its impact on regional peace, EU leaders stressed the importance of economic integration in the South Caucasus. EU President Ursula Von der Leyen highlighted the alignment of values and interests between the European Union and Armenia, emphasizing efforts to enhance Armenia’s security capabilities and prevent the proliferation of lethal equipment to the Russian military.
As tensions persist in the region, the pledge of continued support from the U.S. and EU signals a commitment to stability and security in the South Caucasus amidst evolving geopolitical dynamics.