EU ready to mobilize up to EUR 2bln for strategic transport, energy,  and digital projects all across the South Caucasus - Ursula Gertrud  von der Leyen

ArmInfo. Below is a statement by President of the European Commission Ursula Gertrud von der Leyen with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. 

Dear Prime Minister Pashinyan, dear Nikol,

It is great to be back in Yerevan so soon. First of all, I want to  congratulate you on your electoral victory. These elections have  shown, once again, the strength of Armenia's democracy. The spirit of  the Velvet Revolution which you led in 2018 is alive and well.   Armenia is carrying on the path of democracy, reform, peace, and of a  closer partnership with Europe. And I am here to tell you: you can  count on us.

While Armenia is coming closer to the EU, the South Caucasus is  coming closer together.  The initialling of the peace agreement last  year was a history-making moment. The most consequential step this  region has taken in decades. The same goes for the continued  normalisation of relations with Turkiye. These decisions required  political courage and leadership. And I know their rewards will be  immense. Opening borders will transform Armenia's economic future.  And it will anchor Armenia at the heart of one of the world's most  strategic crossroads. We will stand by you to turn this vision into  reality.

This is why I announced a new EUR200 million Global Gateway package  for peace through connectivity. With our financial partners, we aim  to mobilise up to EUR2 billion for strategic transport, energy, and  digital projects all across the South Caucasus. In Armenia, it could  support projects currently under preparation, including border  crossing points, and road infrastructure.

So, we are building real, physical infrastructure for peace. And at  the same time, we are building bridges between people. Therefore, I  also announced a EUR20 million peace- fostering programme. It is  aimed at communities living along the borders. We want to support the  local economy - the small businesses, the micro businesses - or for  example new farming techniques, water management, etcetera. We want  to improve everyday lives. And we want to create new opportunities  for dialogue between the communities.  Our package will help people  experience the tangible benefits of peace. So that peace takes root  in the hearts and minds of this generation - and the next.

Turning now to the situation in your country. I know Armenia is still  facing significant economic pressure from Russia. Nothing short of  economic coercion, actually. But rest assured: when pressure mounts  on our partners, the EU steps up. And I have some announcements here  too. First, you will soon receive an additional EUR18 million to help  strengthen and diversify your trade. The funding can, for example,  help establish an export promotion agency and boost the export  capacity of Armenian businesses. These EUR18 million are the final  part of the EUR52 million support package we discussed in our phone  call in early June. Second, we are going a step further: we are  presenting a proposal for Autonomous Trade Measures. They will  liberalise almost 80% of Armenian exports to the EU. That means 80%  of your trade with us will now be tariff-free. With this, we can  re-route products that currently still rely heavily on the Russian  market and send them to the European Union Single Market of 450  million consumers. So, this measure will open the European doors to  almost 99% of Armenia's fresh fruits, vegetables, and plants that  used to be exported to Russia. And it will open the door of the  European Union Single Market to more than 90% of your exports of  beverages and spirits. In fact, over the past month, we have seen  more and more Armenian flowers arriving on our market. I think this  is a beautiful symbol of a new chapter in our economic partnership.  And this is only the beginning. With these new measures in place, you  will have the means to diversify - and to diversify fast. In  mid-July, we will deploy experts to Armenia to work directly with  your producers, your businesses, and your exporters and help them  seize all the opportunities that a privileged partnership with the EU  can offer.

Prime Minister, dear Nikol,

On 7 June, the people of Armenia spoke clearly. They chose democracy.  The rule of law.  They chose reform and peace. They chose an open,  welcoming, and inclusive society.  And they chose to partner with the  European Union. And together, we must now turn their aspirations into  results.

You can count on us. Thank you very much.