Kos: South Caucasus connectivity enters new phase

PanARMENIAN.Net - EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said efforts to strengthen connectivity between the European Union and the South Caucasus have entered a new phase.

Writing on X, Kos said she had just returned from Turkey, Azerbaijan and Armenia, where discussions focused on advancing regional connectivity.

“I have just returned from Turkey, Azerbaijan and Armenia, where we moved our work on connectivity to the next stage. This can help establish lasting peace in the South Caucasus while diversifying trade and energy routes between Europe and Asia. Expanding and strengthening connectivity go hand in hand, contributing to Europe's stability, prosperity and security,” she wrote.

During a meeting in Yerevan with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that if Russia closes its market to Armenian products, the European Union would open access to its market of 450 million consumers.

Earlier in Baku, von der Leyen announced that the European Union would launch a new €20 million program aimed at promoting peace in the region. She also said the EU plans to provide up to €200 million in grants for transport, energy and digital connectivity projects across the South Caucasus, including potential initiatives such as a railway link through Nakhchivan and the development of the Port of Baku.