Von der Leyen reportedly plans another Armenia visit

PanARMENIAN.Net - European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is planning to visit Armenia next week, according to a Politico report citing three sources familiar with preparations for the trip.

According to the publication, the delegation is also expected to include Marta Kos, the European Union Commissioner for Enlargement. The visit is reportedly scheduled for July 1, although Politico noted that plans have not yet been finalized, Armenpress reported.

The outlet said the trip is being viewed as a signal of high-level support for Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan following the victory of his political force in the parliamentary elections held in June.

According to Politico, the possible visit comes as Armenia seeks to deepen relations with the European Union and strengthen its foreign policy orientation toward the West.

One EU official quoted by the publication said Armenia is under “intense and sustained pressure” from Russia, adding that such a visit could serve as an important signal of support for Yerevan.

“It would send the message that Europe stands with Armenia,” one of Politico’s sources said.

The publication also reported that the potential visit has already affected Brussels’ working agenda. According to Politico, a meeting of the European Commission College scheduled for July 1 has been canceled, resulting in delays or changes to consideration of several legislative initiatives.

Among the affected proposals are the European Commission’s public procurement act, plans to revise EU tendering rules, and initiatives related to a unified defense market, innovation and livestock farming.

If it takes place, the trip would become Ursula von der Leyen’s second visit to Armenia in less than two months. The European Commission president visited Yerevan in May to attend the European Political Community Summit and subsequently participated in the first EU-Armenia Summit.