Ursula von der Leyen to Visit Armenia Next Week, Politico Reports

BRUSSELS — European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will visit Armenia next week, Politico reported, citing its sources.

According to the publication, the European delegation, which will also include EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos, will arrive in Yerevan following the victory of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s pro-Western party in Armenia’s parliamentary elections held in June. The visit is intended as a high-level show of support.

Commenting on the expected visit, one EU official said Armenia has been under intense and constant pressure from Russia, and that the trip will send a strong signal of support in addition to the practical assistance already provided. According to the official, the mission’s main message will be that Europe stands with Armenia.

Politico also reported that the visit has affected Brussels’ internal agenda, as the European Commission’s administrative meeting scheduled for July 1 has been canceled.

This will be von der Leyen’s second visit to Armenia in the past two months. In May, the European Commission president was in Yerevan to attend the European Political Community summit hosted by Armenia. She also took part in the inaugural EU-Armenia Summit.