Databases & Analysis

Security Council Secretary says he told Aliyev his statements are received sensitively in Armenia

Armenia’s Security Council Secretary Alen Simonyan addressed Azerbaijan’s decision not to participate in the COP17 conference in Yerevan, saying that it was their decision and should in no way be linked to the peace process.

Simonyan emphasized that there is currently no tension in relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, nor is any expected.

“Just as we have to explain this to our society in Armenia, the same situation applies to them when it comes to mutual visits,” Simonyan said at a press briefing.

The Security Council secretary also responded to a statement made by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev the previous day on the sidelines of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA), held in Baku, in which Aliyev once again used aggressive rhetoric to level unfounded accusations against the Armenian side.

“I have had the opportunity to tell President Aliyev that his statements are received very sensitively in Armenia. In our engagements, I have emphasized that if we are talking about peace, he also has an important role to play in it. He replied, ‘Okay, fine,’” Simonyan said.

Source: Armenpress https://armenpress.am/en/article/1262983 

Pashinyan aims to achieve signing of initialed peace agreement with Azerbaijan by 2031 

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said that signing and ratifying the initialed peace agreement with Azerbaijan is one of his most important upcoming tasks and that he has set himself the goal of achieving this during the tenure of the current government, by 2031.

The Pashinyan administration’s 2026–2031 program focuses on strengthening and further institutionalizing the established peace between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Azerbaijan, as well as achieving the signing and ratification of the peace agreement.

Pashinyan, speaking at the Cabinet meeting, emphasized that the peace agreement is a priority on his work agenda.

The prime minister noted that this goal does not mean abandoning other agendas.

“But I have also set this task for myself, with a specific timeline: to achieve its resolution by 2031. Naturally, this is also a task for the government and, more broadly, for our political team. But, as Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, I also consider it very important on my personal agenda that we resolve this issue by 2031,” Pashinyan said.

Pashinyan added that this priority was not based on a newly formed perception. He also said that he believes achieving the goal is possible.

“Of course, it is not as though this perception has only just emerged, but I also want to say that I see that this is possible. Otherwise, I would not be raising this issue in this and other formats,” he said.
Pashinyan stressed that the government must focus on this agenda while ensuring that other strategic programs are not relegated to the background. In this context, he mentioned the TRIPP project, the opening of transport links, economic development, as well as the agendas that emerged during the revolution.

The signing and ratification of the peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan will bring a significant chapter in the history of Armenia and the Armenian people as a whole to a close and open a new one, with new directions and a new logic, Pashinyan said.

Pashinyan again stressed that, among the most important items on the agenda, the signing and ratification of the peace agreement is the most important for him.
Armenia and Azerbaijan initialed the peace agreement in Washington in August 2025.

OSCE Chairperson-in-Office says sustainable peace between Armenia, Azerbaijan now realistic 

The peace established between Armenia and Azerbaijan is important for the South Caucasus, OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of the Swiss Confederation Ignazio Cassis said in Yerevan.

“Switzerland welcomes the positive momentum in the peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan. It has taken shape with the initialing of the peace agreement. Of course, challenges remain, particularly on humanitarian issues. Nevertheless, we can say that the establishment of sustainable peace has become realistic. I encourage the sides to continue their efforts to sign the peace agreement,” Cassis said at a joint press conference with Armenian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Ararat Mirzoyan.

Cassis added that Switzerland is ready to support Armenia and Azerbaijan in signing the peace agreement and normalizing relations.

Armenian FM says various possibilities exist for resolving enclave-exclave issue

Armenian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Ararat Mirzoyan has addressed possible solutions to the issue of enclaves and exclaves between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Mirzoyan addressed the issue during a joint press conference with OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of the Swiss Confederation Ignazio Cassis, when asked by a reporter about Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s October 14 statement on the matter.

Addressing the issue, Mirzoyan noted that there are various possible solutions to the problem, which are being discussed and will be discussed in depth with Azerbaijan.

He emphasized that he did not want to predetermine any agreement, but noted that if a decision is made to transfer something from the territory of the Republic of Armenia, which covers 29,743 square kilometers, and receive something in return, the question of a nationwide vote may arise.

Mirzoyan emphasized that the exchange of enclaves and exclaves is one of the possible solutions, and theoretically, other options may also exist.

“I can say that the Azerbaijani side also has a constructive approach to this issue,” the Armenian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade concluded.

Pashinyan most recently said on October 15 that the exchange of the existing enclaves and exclaves between Armenia and Azerbaijan is one of the options being discussed in the negotiation process.

Source: Armenpress https://armenpress.am/en/article/1262880 

Guterres hopes issue of Armenian captives’ return from Baku will be resolved

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed hope that Armenia and Azerbaijan will soon sign a peace treaty and fulfil all their obligations under the agreement.

He made the remarks at a press conference in Yerevan, responding to a journalist’s question about how strong peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan could be if Azerbaijan refused to return Armenian captives.

“I am a strong supporter of the peace agreement. I hope all the provisions set out in it will be implemented. I regret the problems concerning the captives and the other issues. I hope all these matters will be resolved quickly,” Guterres said.

Azerbaijan continues to illegally hold 19 Armenian captives, including representatives of Nagorno-Karabakh’s former military and political leadership. They have been sentenced to imprisonment on fabricated charges.

Source: Armenpress https://armenpress.am/en/article/1262932 

Lavrov: Russia ready to participate in TRIPP project

Russia has received no requests from Armenia or Azerbaijan regarding participation in the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) project, but both countries are aware of Moscow's readiness to take part, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told journalists in Baku, according to Report.

"We have not yet received any requests regarding participation in this project, the Donald Trump-named transport route. However, all interested parties are aware of our readiness and capabilities," the minister said, as quoted by Russian media.

He also said Russia was ready to participate in infrastructure projects, noting that Russian Railways holds a concession in Armenia and operates the South Caucasus Railway, making the infrastructure familiar to the Russian side.

Source: report.az https://report.az/en/other-countries/lavrov-russia-ready-to-participate-in-tripp-project 

The Armenian government has approved the establishment of a military attaché position at Armenia’s embassy in Canada. The position will be combined with that of Armenia’s military attaché to the United States to develop defense cooperation with both countries.

The decision was adopted at the Cabinet meeting on Thursday, October 15.

According to the justification for the draft decision prepared by the Ministry of Defense, the military attaché is expected to assume duties on January 1, 2027, once the Canadian side has been notified of the appointment, the accreditation procedure has been completed, and the relevant approval has been obtained.

The attaché will establish official contacts between the defense ministries of the two countries and deepen their ties, monitor the implementation of cooperation programs, and assist in organizing visits by delegations from the Ministry of Defense and the armed forces.

The attaché will also ensure Armenia’s official representation at military parades, exercises, maneuvers, and exhibitions of weapons and military equipment held at the invitation of the Canadian defense authorities. The attaché will also visit military educational institutions and defense industry enterprises.

“At the current stage, cooperation in the defense sector may cover instructor training, joint participation in international peacekeeping missions, the protection of the rights of female servicemembers, and civilian oversight of the armed forces, as well as the exchange of experience in introducing internal audit and anti-corruption mechanisms,” the Ministry of Defense said.

At a later stage, cooperation may also include bilateral military-political consultations, military education, combat training for professional non-commissioned officers and personnel, military medicine, and the exchange of experience in other specialized areas.

The Ministry of Defense also considers the development of ties with Canada important in the context of Armenia-NATO cooperation.

The military attaché will support the consistent implementation of activities in Canada under the Individual Partnership Action Plan and submit proposals for developing bilateral cooperation.

Pashinyan outlines vision for resolving enclave-exclave issue between Armenia and Azerbaijan

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has presented his vision of what peace should look like after the signing and ratification of the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace agreement.
Pashinyan addressed the matter on social media. 

"What should peace look like after the signing and ratification of the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace agreement? Armenia should have a territory of 29,743 square kilometers. The delimitation and demarcation of borders should take place on the basis of the Alma-Ata Declaration. The issue of enclaves and exclaves should be resolved according to the following formula: there should be no enclaves or exclaves on either side of the border; that is, the two countries, Armenia and Azerbaijan, should carry out an exchange of territories of corresponding precise sizes. All roads and communication routes should be open within the framework of the TRIPP project, but not only within the framework of the TRIPP project. All communication routes should operate and be open, including with the logic of operating and ensuring communication from Armenia to Armenia through the territory of Azerbaijan and from Azerbaijan to Azerbaijan through the territory of Armenia,” the Prime Minister said in a video posted on his Facebook page.

He added that Armenia and Azerbaijan should make no claims against each other and should not bother each other on any issue, including those framed in terms of Karabakh, Gardman, Shirvan, Nakhchivan, or “Western Azerbaijan.”

“Now, the next and perhaps most important question is whether there is a real possibility of giving peace this form. Based on the results of my engagements with the President of Azerbaijan in Turkmenistan, I have the preliminary impression that we have an opportunity to give peace such a form, and in the coming period we will be engaged in realizing this opportunity, turning this possibility into reality,” Pashinyan said.

Participation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of Armenia in a Panel Discussion Held within the Framework of the Warsaw Security Forum

On October 13, within the framework of the Warsaw Security Forum, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of the Republic of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan participated in a panel discussion entitled “Half-Baked or Step-by-Step? Rethinking EU Enlargement,” dedicated to the prospects of EU enlargement.

The discussion featured opening remarks by President of Montenegro Jakov Milatović. Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Kęstutis Budrys and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Romania Oana-Silvia Țoiu also participated as panelists.

“Moderator: Thank you for that. I’d like to turn to Minister Mirzoyan. We’ve heard that it’s imperative, that it’s a long process, and that it’s tricky. From Yerevan’s perspective, there are a lot of positive dynamics between your country and the European Union. Can you tell us what the destination is when you take this train to Europe? What is the destination for you?

Ararat Mirzoyan: Hello, everybody. I’ll start by describing what we currently have.

Our relations with the European Union are unprecedentedly deep and close, and they cover an unprecedented number of spheres and areas. We have a visa liberalization dialogue. We have had, and still have, the EU Monitoring Mission, which monitors the situation along the Armenia–Azerbaijan border. We have just received a second mission, temporary but operating on a permanent basis, which helps us address hybrid threats. As a non-candidate country, we received autonomous trade measures. This is the most recent news: the EU adopted autonomous trade measures to support the diversification of Armenia’s trade destinations. We also signed an agreement with the European Union that will enable us to take part in various EU missions in different corners of the planet.

Being again, a non-candidate country, we received a Growth and Resilience Plan and EU support. As a non-candidate country, we also received support under the European Peace Facility. So it’s not only about political dialogue, not only about the economy or trade support. It’s also about security, foreign policy, and etc.

I’m saying this to show that, together with the European Union, we are in the middle of a process of continuously exploring new horizons in the sense of bringing the EU and Armenia closer and closer.

Your question is: what is the destination, the final point? I’m afraid I will disappoint you. I believe no one knows. Not Armenia, not the EU, not the member states. Let me try to explain the real situation.

In Armenia, to be very frank, the serious conversation about EU membership has just started. We have not had deep public deliberations on this issue, although in spring 2025 we adopted a law about starting the process of accession to the European Union. That is the Armenian side, the Armenian perception.

Now let’s look at the EU’s perception. We just heard a couple of reflections on this.

Then there is a third layer, which in our case is very important: Armenia’s neighbourhood. Let’s list our neighbours. Azerbaijan: we have just established peace, and we have started bilateral trade. We are opening each other’s territories for transportation and transit. We are unblocking regional communications. But there are still several sensitive issues that need to be addressed.

To the west is Türkiye, with whom we have a very intense dialogue. We are normalizing relations, but the border is still closed. To the south is Iran, with its own difficult surroundings, circumstances, and issues. To the north are Georgia and Russia.

As for Russia, you can imagine the reaction and the relations with this country. Historically we have been very close, and we still have very strong ties, but the possible reaction has to be managed. No one wants to create new enemies , and we have no interest in harming any third party.

As for Georgia, imagine how much easier life would become if Georgia continued its EU integration path. That would make a difference, and it would change the conversation with Foreign Minister on this stage.

So, coming back to the main question: I believe no one knows the final destination. But the good news, at least in my impression, is that both of us, Armenia and the European Union, including the member states, are enjoying the process. So let’s enjoy these sweet relations, explore new opportunities and new layers, and at some point in the future we will discuss together whether we should marry or not.

(...)

Moderator: Thank you very much. In British English there’s an expression: it’s better to travel hopefully than to arrive. Given the state of politics in the European Union, that may be appropriate.

Moderator: Thank you very much for that. Minister Mirzoyan, I’d like to bring you back to something you already touched on: Armenia’s regional context and its neighbours. Could you tell us more about how your strengthening relations with the European Union, of which you gave many examples, could serve as a lever, a vehicle for positive change with Azerbaijan or Türkiye, for instance? How can it help you strengthen relations with your neighbours?

Ararat Mirzoyan: My direct and frank answer is that these two topics may not be very closely connected, because we will be improving our relations with our neighbours regardless. That is not connected to our European policy and European aspirations.

On the other hand, we should acknowledge that if our aspiration is to become a full member of the European Union, then having problems or conflicts with our neighbours would probably harm the process.

At the same time, we should also hear what Mr. President has been saying over the last several minutes. They have fulfilled all the chapters. They have all the necessary ticks, sub-ticks, and sub-sub-ticks. And we should acknowledge that, at the end of the day, it has always been a political decision. So where is the political decision on Montenegro? This is very important for Armenia to analyze when planning our own actions. We have also heard the Minister describe how decisions are made backstage, behind the scenes. These are all important considerations for our own decision-making.

So, coming back to your question: regardless, we will keep improving, and we are almost there. We have peace with Azerbaijan, though several steps still remain. We are normalizing relations with Türkiye. The border is still closed, but I think the process has matured considerably, and we could easily wake up tomorrow morning to a headline in the news feed saying the Armenia–Türkiye border is open.

(...)

Moderator: Let’s hope for that. Thank you all for that positive set of indications.

Moderator: Thank you for that. Minister Mirzoyan, final words on the United States and its role in your region?

Ararat Mirzoyan: I would prefer to leave the assessment of U.S.–EU relations to officials from the EU and the United States. What I can say is that in my country, and probably in the South Caucasus in general, their interests do not contradict each other, and they cooperate wonderfully.

As you know, the United States is heavily involved in opening and unblocking transport communications in the South Caucasus, particularly between Armenia and Azerbaijan. This will be a crucial link for communication and transportation between, for instance, Portugal and China, between West and East. The EU and its member states are among the beneficiaries of this process, I believe. So in unblocking the South Caucasus, the interests of many countries and poles in the world coincide.

Moderator: Thank you for that”.

Source: mfa.am https://www.mfa.am/en/press-releases/2026/10/14/Mirzoyan_panel/14197 

Foreign Affairs Council: Press conference by High Representative Kaja Kallas 

Good afternoon, everybody. We just concluded a very productive Foreign Affairs Council. 
First, we had a breakfast on Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference. Exposing disinformation is necessary. Disrupting the machinery behind is essential. 

The EU is taking concrete action. We have expanded our counter disinformation training to 65 countries. We have taken down dozens of websites and hundreds of ads linked to Russian mercenary recruitment network in Africa, and we successfully helped Armenia counter foreign interference ahead of its June elections.

As next steps, we are proposing 100 new sanctions listings targeting Russia's FIMI infrastructure. We will also explore closer cooperation with like-minded partners with whom we have Security and Defence Partnerships.

On Georgia, democratic backsliding there is worsening. More opposition parties face bans, and the Foreign Agents Law is suffocating civil society. The Georgian people want a European future, but Georgian Dream is systematically taking it away from them. Our current approach is not generating sufficient pressure for change, nor is it allowing us to fully pursue European strategic interests. We will revert to this topic in January.

Ministers also discussed the security impact on an enlarged Union. Enlargement has been the EU's most successful foreign policy tool for decades. It is not just about making the EU bigger; it is about making Europe safer and also stronger geopolitically.

Many candidate countries already significantly contribute to our security. Ukraine, of course, is Europe's first line of defense against Russian aggression. Moldova and our Western Balkan partners contribute to EU Missions and Operations. Today, Ministers agreed to deepen security and defence cooperation with candidate countries based on their progress and alignment with the EU. This means integrating them into European defence frameworks, expanding joint defence production, and making better use of our Security and Defence Partnerships. 

In practice, and also to a certain extent de jure, peace has been established between Armenia and Azerbaijan," – Nikol Pashinyan.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has told RFI that his country intends to continue drawing closer to the European Union while maintaining ties with Russia, as Yerevan pursues what he describes as a more balanced and independent foreign policy.

Armenia’s relationship with Russia “can no longer be the same as it was before”, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan told RFI in an exclusive interview in Yerevan, as his government seeks closer ties with the European Union without abandoning its longstanding partnership with Moscow.

Pashinyan said Armenia was pursuing a policy designed to give the country more political and economic options rather than replacing dependence on one power with dependence on another.

His comments come amid a profound reshaping of Armenia’s foreign relations following years of upheaval that have included the 2018 revolution, repeated conflict with neighbouring Azerbaijan and the exodus of the Armenian population from Nagorno-Karabakh in 2023.

EU membership 

At the centre of that shift is Armenia’s steadily deepening relationship with the EU.

Pashinyan pointed to the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed with Brussels in 2017 and said cooperation had intensified further since 2020.

In 2025, Armenia’s parliament passed legislation formally launching a process towards possible EU accession following a citizens’ initiative.

“Yes, one of the options is for the Republic of Armenia to become a member of the European Union,” Pashinyan said.

But he stressed that membership remained only one possible path and would ultimately depend both on the EU’s own enlargement policy and on the Armenian people.

“Our aim in creating alternatives is to enable the Armenian people to decide whether Armenia should remain a member of the Eurasian Economic Union, become a member of the European Union, or join neither,” he said.

Whatever the outcome, Pashinyan said Armenia intended to continue reforms aimed at bringing the country closer to EU standards.

Even if Armenia ultimately did not join the bloc, he argued, the reforms themselves would strengthen the country.

“If, once objectively ready, Armenia does not become a member of the European Union, our country will still come out ahead, as we will then have a state that is fully compliant with European Union standards.”

‘We do not want to be dependent on anyone’

The pivot towards Europe has inevitably raised questions over Armenia’s relationship with Russia, which for decades was its principal security partner and remains an important economic partner.

But Pashinyan rejected the idea that his government was seeking simply to “free” Armenia from Moscow.

“We do not want to be dependent on anyone,” he said. “We do not want to stop depending on A only to depend on B.”

Instead, he described his government’s approach as one of diversification.

“I once used an expression which initially gave rise to some misunderstandings in Armenia,” he said. “I said that independence consists of replacing dependence on a few with dependence on many.”

That principle, he argued, applied not only to diplomacy but also to the Armenian economy.

“We want our people to have alternatives. We want our population to have a choice. We also want our tomato growers to have alternatives. We want our drinks producers to have alternatives too.”

Pashinyan cited fuel imports as an example, saying Armenia had reduced the concentration of petroleum imports among a small number of companies and suppliers.

That diversification, he said, had helped shield the country from recent disruptions affecting energy markets.

Brussels and Moscow

Armenia’s efforts to move closer to Brussels have nevertheless prompted warnings from Moscow that Yerevan may eventually have to choose between closer integration with the EU and continued membership of the Russian-led Eurasian Economic Union.

Pashinyan acknowledged the difficulty of balancing the two relationships, saying that “the role of governments and political leaders is to solve unsolvable equations”.

But he ruled out an imminent referendum on EU membership, saying Armenia would first need to submit a formal application – something it has yet to do – and complete further reforms.

“Submitting an application simply for the sake of it does not make much sense,” he said, although when asked whether Armenia ultimately intended to apply, he replied: “Yes, amongst other things.”

Pashinyan also insisted that worsening ties with Moscow was not Yerevan’s objective.

“On the contrary, we wish to develop our relations with Russia,” he said. “One thing must simply be acknowledged: whatever the circumstances and whoever the political leaders may be, our relations with Russia can no longer be the same as they were before.”

He also dismissed warnings from Russian political figures that Armenia could become a “second Ukraine”, saying he was convinced such a scenario would not unfold.

Peace with Azerbaijan

Pashinyan struck an equally confident tone on Azerbaijan, arguing that peace between the two neighbours was already taking shape despite the absence of a formally signed treaty.

A peace agreement was initialled and the two countries adopted a peace declaration in Washington on 8 August 2025. Pashinyan also pointed to the absence of deaths or injuries from exchanges of fire along the border for more than two years.

In 2024, Armenia and Azerbaijan signed and ratified their first legally binding bilateral agreement, establishing the 1991 Alma-Ata Declaration as the basis for border demarcation.

“Between Azerbaijan and Armenia, in practice, peace has, to a certain extent, also been established – de jure, peace has been established,” he said.

Asked about Armenian prisoners still held in Azerbaijan, missing persons and sporadic border incidents, Pashinyan said such issues did not undermine the wider process.

“From 1991 to 2025, we had deaths and injuries every single year,” he said. “Now, for the past two years, we have had no deaths or injuries. Isn’t that a reason to be optimistic?”

He also played down a recent incident in which an Azerbaijani soldier crossed into Armenia’s Syunik region and injured an Armenian civilian, saying accidental crossings had occurred repeatedly over the past three decades.

“This incident has nothing to do with peace and cannot in any way call peace into question,” he said.

For Pashinyan, the broader strategy is one of widening Armenia’s room for manoeuvre – strengthening ties with Europe, maintaining relations with Russia and trying to consolidate peace with its neighbours.

Lukashenko hopes that Armenia will preside 

The meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the CIS member countries is taking place in Turkmenistan's "Avaza" national tourist zone:
 
The President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, has deemed the decision for Baku to preside over the CIS in 2028 as historic and expressed hope that Armenia will also take on that role in 2029:
 
«The new phase of development of our organization is the decision of the esteemed Ilham Heydarovich (Aliyev) to assume the presidency (of the CIS) for the first time in 2028. This is undoubtedly a historic moment,» - quotes the "BelTA" agency Lukashenko's words at the CIS summit.
 
He expressed hope that «Armenia will also make a decision to carry out this honorable function in turn in 2029»:
 
The meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the CIS member countries is taking place in Turkmenistan's "Avaza" national tourist zone:
 
This year marks the 35th anniversary of the founding of the CIS, and the leaders of the nine member countries will summarize the results of multilateral cooperation. Issues related to security, law enforcement cooperation, deepening trade and economic ties, as well as climate change will be discussed.

REGULATION (EU) 2026/2269 OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL

of 7 October 2026

on temporary trade-liberalisation measures applicable to certain products originating in the Republic of Armenia

THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 207(2) thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,

After transmission of the draft legislative act to the national parliaments,

Acting in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure (¹),

Whereas:

HAVE ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

Trade-liberalisation measures

1.   The following trade-liberalisation measures are introduced:

2.   The tariff quotas referred to in paragraph 1, point (b), of this Article shall be managed by the Commission in accordance with Articles 49 to 54 of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/2447.

Article 2

Conditions for entitlement to the trade-liberalisation measures

The trade-liberalisation measures provided for in Article 1 shall be subject to the following conditions:

For the purposes of point (a) of the first paragraph of this Article and without prejudice to Article 119(1) of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/2447, an invoice declaration may also be made out by an Armenian exporter registered in the Union’s Registered Exporter (REX) system in accordance with the relevant provisions of Articles 70, 72, 86, 89 and 91 of that Regulation.

Article 3

Temporary suspension of trade-liberalisation measures

1.   Where the Commission finds that there is sufficient evidence of a failure by Armenia to comply with any of the conditions set out in Article 2, first paragraph, it may, by means of an implementing act, temporarily suspend in whole or in part the trade-liberalisation measures provided for in Article 1. That implementing act shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 5(3).

2.   Where a Member State requests that the Commission suspend any of the trade-liberalisation measures provided for in Article 1 on the basis of a failure by Armenia to comply with the conditions set out in Article 2, first paragraph, point (c), the Commission shall provide, within four months of the request, a reasoned opinion on whether the claim that Armenia has failed to comply is substantiated. If the Commission concludes that the claim is substantiated, it shall initiate the procedure referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article.

Article 4

Safeguard measures

1.   Where a product covered by Article 1(1) originating in Armenia is imported under conditions that adversely affect the Union market or the market of one or more Member States for like or directly competing products, the Commission may impose, by means of an implementing act, any measure that is necessary. That implementing act shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 5(3).

Such measures may be imposed for as long as necessary to counteract the adverse effects on the Union market or on the market of one or more Member States for like or directly competing products.

2.   The Commission shall carry out an assessment of the situation of the Union market or the market of one or more Member States for like or directly competing products with a view to imposing measures in accordance with paragraph 1. That assessment shall be initiated:

The assessment referred to in the first subparagraph shall be concluded within four months of its initiation.

3.   In carrying out the assessment pursuant to paragraph 2, the Commission shall take into consideration all relevant market developments, including the impact of the imports concerned on the situation of the Union market or the market of one or more Member States for like or directly competing products. That assessment shall include the following factors:

Other relevant factors may also be taken into consideration.

4.   In critical circumstances where delay would cause damage to the relevant market that would be difficult to repair, the Commission may provisionally impose, by means of an implementing act, any measure that is necessary. Such measure may be imposed only after a duly substantiated request from a Member State pursuant to paragraph 2, first subparagraph, point (a), of this Article and shall be adopted within 21 days of receipt of that request. Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in Article 5(4). Those acts shall remain in force for a period not exceeding 120 days.

5.   Where, as a result of the assessment referred to in paragraph 2, the Commission considers that the Union market or the market of one or more Member States for like or directly competing products has been adversely affected and intends to impose a definitive measure pursuant to paragraph 1, it shall publish a notice in the Official Journal of the European Union announcing its intention to impose such a measure. That notice shall provide a summary of the main results of the assessment and specify the period within which interested parties may submit their views in writing. That period shall not exceed 10 days from the date of publication of the notice.

Article 5

Committee procedure

1.   The Commission shall be assisted by the Customs Code Committee established by Article 285(1) of Regulation (EU) No 952/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council (⁷) with regard to Article 3(1) of this Regulation. That Committee shall be a committee within the meaning of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011.

2.   The Commission shall be assisted by the Committee on Safeguards established by Article 3(1) of Regulation (EU) 2015/478 of the European Parliament and of the Council (⁸) with regard to Article 4(1) of this Regulation. That Committee shall be a committee within the meaning of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011.

3.   Where reference is made to this paragraph, Article 5 of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 shall apply.

4.   Where reference is made to this paragraph, Article 4 of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 shall apply.

Article 6

Reporting on the implementation of the trade-liberalisation measures

The Commission shall report on the implementation of the trade-liberalisation measures provided for in this Regulation in the Partnership Committee in trade configuration set up under the Partnership Agreement.

Article 7

Entry into force and application

This Regulation shall enter into force on the day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

This Regulation shall apply until 11 October 2028.

This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.

Done at Strasbourg, 7 October 2026.

For the European Parliament

The President

R. METSOLA

For the Council

The President

T. BYRNE

(¹)  Position of the European Parliament of 15 September 2026 (not yet published in the Official Journal) and decision of the Council of 24 September 2026.

(²)   OJ L 23, 26.1.2018, p. 4, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/agree_internation/2018/104/oj.

(³)  Council Decision (EU) 2018/104 of 20 November 2017 on the signing, on behalf of the Union, and provisional application of the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community and their Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Armenia, of the other part (OJ L 23, 26.1.2018, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2018/104/oj).

(⁴)  Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2015/2446 of 28 July 2015 supplementing Regulation (EU) No 952/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards detailed rules concerning certain provisions of the Union Customs Code (OJ L 343, 29.12.2015, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg_del/2015/2446/oj).

(⁵)  Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/2447 of 24 November 2015 laying down detailed rules for implementing certain provisions of Regulation (EU) No 952/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down the Union Customs Code (OJ L 343, 29.12.2015, p. 558, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg_impl/2015/2447/oj).

(⁶)  Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 February 2011 laying down the rules and general principles concerning mechanisms for control by Member States of the Commission’s exercise of implementing powers (OJ L 55, 28.2.2011, p. 13, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2011/182/oj).

(⁷)  Regulation (EU) No 952/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 October 2013 laying down the Union Customs Code (OJ L 269, 10.10.2013, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2013/952/oj).

(⁸)  Regulation (EU) 2015/478 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 March 2015 on common rules for imports (OJ L 83, 27.3.2015, p. 16, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2015/478/oj).

ANNEX I

List of products subject to trade-liberalisation measures referred to in Article 1(1), point (a)

Notwithstanding the rules for the interpretation of the Combined Nomenclature (‘CN’), the description of the products is to be considered as indicative, the tariff preferences being determined by the CN codes. Where ‘ex’ CN codes are indicated, the tariff preferences are to be determined by the CN code and the description, together.

Entry of products with a CN code marked with an asterisk (*) is subject to the conditions laid down in the relevant Union law.

For reasons of simplification, the products are listed in groups. These may include products for which Common Customs Tariff duties were withdrawn or suspended.

ANNEX II

List of products subject to trade-liberalisation measures referred to in Article 1(1), point (b)

Notwithstanding the rules for the interpretation of the Combined Nomenclature (‘CN’), the description of the products in the third column of the table is to be considered as indicative. The preferential scheme is determined, within the context of this Annex, by the scope of the CN codes set out in the second column of the table as applicable at the time of adoption of this Regulation.

ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2026/2269/oj

ISSN 1977-0677 (electronic edition)

Source: Official Journal of the European Union, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=OJ:L_202602269  

Putin: Russia ready to pull Armenia base “even tomorrow” 

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia is ready to withdraw its military base from Gyumri “even tomorrow” if Armenia decides it no longer needs it, while saying Moscow would stay if the Armenian people want its military presence.

Putin made the remarks at a press conference in Bishkek following the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit, on the sidelines of which he met with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. The two discussed, among other issues, Armenia’s EU aspirations, which Moscow says are incompatible with its membership in the Eurasian Economic Union.

“If Armenia believes that the Russian military base is not needed in Armenia, we will leave even tomorrow. But is Armenia ready for that? Please, we will not impose anything on anyone. And if the Armenian people want some Russian military presence alongside them, then we will stay, work and cooperate,” Putin said.

The Russian president said he had invited Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to Moscow to discuss Armenian-Russian relations in a calm setting and with the participation of experts.

“I invited him to Moscow so that we can sit down with him and our experts, without rushing, and go through every point. There are also specific issues, such as the railway,” Putin said, adding that the sides had agreed to conduct their dialogue in a calm manner.

Regarding Armenia’s aspirations to join the European Union, Putin stressed that this is the country’s sovereign choice. However, Putin reiterated that Armenia cannot simultaneously be a member of the EU and the Eurasian Economic Union.

“If you have decided to move toward the EU, that is the sovereign decision of any country. We are connected with the Armenian people by historic ties of friendship and even more than friendship. We have very deep roots in our relations with Armenians and the Armenian people in general. But being in two organizations at the same time is simply impossible. Phytosanitary norms, technical standards and many other things are incompatible today,” the Russian president said.
Russia’s 102nd Military Base is located in Gyumri, Armenia.
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced plans to visit Moscow after meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the SCO summit.

Source: Armenpress, https://armenpress.am/en/article/1259442 

We agreed to continue our frank and constructive conversation during my upcoming visit to Moscow – Pashinyan on meeting with Putin 

Following a meeting between Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Bishkek on September 1, the Armenian leader provided some details.
In a video posted on his Facebook page, Pashinyan said:

“I had a very good meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. We agreed to continue our frank and constructive conversation during my upcoming visit to Moscow. It should be noted that Armenia-Russia relations are extremely important for both countries, and we treat these relations with great care. The Russian Federation, under President Putin’s leadership, also treats them with great care.

“But it should also be noted that, in the new environment and under the new conditions, there is a need to redefine these relations, and as a result of this redefinition, I am convinced that the relations will be better, more constructive, more mutually beneficial and warmer.”

Source: Armenpress, https://armenpress.am/en/article/1259425 

Moscow continues to work with Yerevan, fulfilling all its obligations. This was stated by the Minister of Transport of the Russian Federation Andrey Nikitin

"They do not formally refuse anything. They constantly announce something, but at the same time there is no refusal - we work, as we have been working,"- said Andrei Nikitin, answering the question about the possibility of Armenia's refusal from the partnership in railway transportation with Russia.
According to Nikitin, all the conditions are written in the current concession agreement.

South Caucasus Railways (SCR) manages the railway transport system of Armenia on the basis of a concession agreement signed between Armenia and Russian Railways in 2008. It was signed for 30 years with the right to extend for another 10 years. 

Earlier, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced that Yerevan is offering Moscow to sell the concession for managing the republic's railways to a third party. When asked about Armenia's possible actions in the event that Russia rejects Yerevan's proposals, the Prime Minister replied that such a scenario is impossible.

Later, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov commented on Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's requests to sell the concession, noting that such statements cause surprise and emotions.

Source: Euromedia.24, https://euromedia24.com/en/post/62343