Yerevan was chosen to host the summit to showcase its strengthening links with Europe as it slowly decouples from Russia, according to reports. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s diversification policy is drawing Armenia into the European fold, though his Civil Contract party faces elections in June and opposition from pro-Russian parties, reports said. On Tuesday, Armenia hopes the EU will offer extra funding for democracy and visa liberalization at the first bilateral summit between the two, though the amount has not been confirmed, according to reports.
EU enlargement commissioner Marta Kos said Armenia and the EU have never been closer. Armenia signed a comprehensive partnership agreement in 2017 and last year declared its intention to apply for EU membership, according to reports. Canadian diplomats rejected suggestions Ottawa might seek EU membership, according to reports.
The summit will also discuss Trump’s plan to pull more than 5,000 troops from Germany and the economic impact of a prolonged US-Iran conflict, according to reports. Armenia shares a border with Iran but has not alleged Iranian missiles have landed in its territory, reports said. Thomas de Waal, a senior fellow at Carnegie Europe, said European leaders must walk a fine line in Yerevan, supporting Pashinyan while also building a more robust Armenia.