Weekly digest N 29/2025 (13-19 JUL)

On July 14, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan met in Brussels with European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the EU–Armenia partnership, welcomed Armenia’s reform agenda, and expressed support for its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and democracy.

They noted the political agreement on the new EU–Armenia Partnership Agenda, progress on visa liberalization, and Armenia’s adoption of a law launching the EU accession process.

The EU announced around €2.5 billion in investment support, including the €270 million Resilience and Growth program. Discussions also covered security, cyber threats, and the “Crossroads of Peace” initiative. The EU pledged €1.5 million to support independent media and thanked Armenia for its efforts to prevent sanctions circumvention.

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After Brussels, Prime Minister Pashinyan visited France and met with President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace. They discussed Armenia–France relations, and Pashinyan invited Macron to visit Armenia for the sixth time—though Macron has only visited once, in 2018.

Pashinyan’s quick trip to Brussels and Paris aimed to reassure European partners that the Abu Dhabi talks and increased U.S. presence in the region are not directed against Europe. With the EU seeking more autonomy after setbacks under Trump, European leaders are pressing Pashinyan to explain why Armenia seems to favor U.S. over EU initiatives.

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Avetik Chalabyan, coordinator of the “HayaQve” National Civic Union, announced the opening of its 10th office—this time in Yerevan’s Arabkir district. According to Chalabyan, this is their largest office yet and will also serve youth and educational programs. He emphasized the union’s goal of establishing offices in all communities across Armenia to bring “HayaQve” closer to citizens and expand civic engagement. Chalabyan congratulated partners in Arabkir and Kanaker-Zeytun and wished them success in their work.

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On July 15, Armenia’s Prosecutor General filed a lawsuit against the Cadastre Committee, requesting the Administrative Court to annul the state registration of property ownership by the Government of the Republic of Artsakh for a building located at 17A N. Zaryan Street, Yerevan.

Earlier in April, it was reported that ownership of the property had been transferred to the Armenian government. This followed legislative changes allowing organizations registered in Artsakh to re-register in Armenia by the end of 2024 in order to continue operations. In September 2024, Parliament Speaker Alen Simonyan had hinted that Artsakh authorities should vacate the building.

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On July 15, by decision of the Prime Minister of Armenia, former ruling party MP A. Mekhakyan was appointed acting head of the Vagharshapat community in Armavir Province.

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On July 16, Armenia’s UN mission held a side event on “Biodiversity and Sustainable Development” during the UN forum.

Speakers from Armenia, Mongolia, the UK, Brazil, and UN leaders discussed links between biodiversity and development, followed by a Q&A.

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Ruben Vardanyan’s family and allies are pushing for his release. Lawyer Jared Genser said U.S. President Trump could help if Armenia officially asks. Armenian contacts spoke with Trump’s son-in-law, and Trump agreed to intervene if requested.

The offer was sent to PM Pashinyan via Ambassador Makunts but was rejected, fearing it might harm the Armenia–Azerbaijan peace deal. Genser warned prisoner release must happen before the deal, as it could be impossible afterward. He said Trump prioritizes this and urges Pashinyan to push for it publicly and privately.

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On July 18, Belgium’s Chamber of Representatives unanimously condemned Azerbaijan’s attacks on Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians and called for prisoner releases and respect for territorial integrity. They urged protection of cultural heritage and supported a peace deal. Belgium and the EU were urged to back investigations and impose sanctions if needed.

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Belgian MP Ellen Samyn spoke boldly in parliament about Nagorno-Karabakh, urging the EU to take real action against Azerbaijan beyond condemning its aggression. She called for ending EU energy dependence on Azerbaijan, pursuing legal accountability for ethnic cleansing, and stopping Belgian state support to Azerbaijan (about €694,000 in 2023), redirecting funds to help displaced Armenians. Samyn criticized the lack of mention of Turkey’s role and stressed that human rights must outweigh energy interests, warning that without action, the resolution is meaningless.

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A statue of world-famous chanson singer Charles Aznavour was unveiled today at Aznavour Square in Yerevan. The event was attended by Yerevan Mayor Avinyan, Minister of Education Andreasyan, and Aznavour’s son, Nikola Aznavour, founder of the Aznavour Foundation. The statue was funded by the Yerevan City Hall to symbolize Aznavour’s lasting presence in the city. Minister Andreasyan highlighted Aznavour’s unifying cultural impact, while Nikola mentioned a new Aznavour park in Paris linking Armenia and France. French Ambassador Olivier Descotigny praised Aznavour’s dual Armenian-French identity. Sculptor David Minasyan noted the statue’s casting in Gyumri and his personal connection to Aznavour.

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Avetik Chalabyan, coordinator of the “HayaQve” National Civic union, announced the opening of a new office in Armavir, continuing the movement’s expansion across Armenia.

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The 22nd Golden Apricot International Film Festival kicked off in Yerevan, showcasing award-winning films including Oscar-winner Anatomy of a Fall. The festival opened with A Simple Accident by acclaimed Iranian director Jafar Panahi, who made a surprise appearance to honor fellow filmmaker Amir Naderi. French director Abderrahmane Sissako, a Cannes and César laureate, arrived in Armenia to lead the international jury. The weeklong event will feature premieres and meetings with global film stars.