News Watch

Armenia’s first military parade in a decade offered the clearest public glimpse yet into the country’s rapidly developing defense capabilities. From French CAESAR howitzers and Indian missile systems to Chinese drones and locally produced weapons, the parade showcased Armenia’s drive to diversify its military partnerships and rebuild its armed forces after the 2020 war.

The European Commission’s first progress report on Armenia’s visa liberalization reforms highlights advances in border management, biometrics, anticorruption and digital governance, while identifying major gaps that still need to be addressed before Armenians can eventually secure visa-free travel to the European Union.

The first-ever EU–Armenia Summit in Yerevan marked a major milestone in bilateral relations, advancing cooperation on connectivity, energy, digital infrastructure and reforms. The sides reaffirmed commitment to closer strategic partnership, resilience, regional integration and long-term political and economic alignment.

European leaders convene in Yerevan for the 8th European Political Community summit, spotlighting Armenia’s growing geopolitical role and turning Yerevan into a hub of diplomacy. Amid discussions on security, energy, and cooperation, the gathering reveals both opportunities for partnership and challenges.

Armenia and the European Union unveiled a new Strategic Agenda in Brussels that builds on CEPA, elevating their partnership to a strategic level. The plan deepens cooperation on governance, security, connectivity and economic reform, providing a forward-looking framework for EU-Armenia relations.

A high-stakes clash involving PM Nikol Pashinyan, the Armenian Church and oligarch Samvel Karapetyan has triggered political, religious and geopolitical tensions, with Pashinyan calling for the nationalization of Armenia’s power grid amid charges of foreign interference and subversion.

A recent CRRC survey reveals Armenians overwhelmingly desire peace but expect war, amid deep security fears, political disillusionment, and shifting geopolitical loyalties. The data highlights public anxiety, fading optimism, and the complex legacy of war and diplomacy.

Vardan Ghukasyan, a controversial former mayor under criminal investigation, has returned to power in Gyumri with the backing of opposition factions, despite finishing second in the vote. The ruling party boycotted the vote and warned of an impending political crisis. Hranoush Dermoyan looks at Ghukasyan’s murky past.

Residents of Gyumri, Armenia’s second largest city and the small town of Parakar headed to the polls in snap municipal elections on March 30. Hranoush Dermoyan breaks down the preliminary results.

Armenia and Azerbaijan have finalized peace negotiations, with Yerevan accepting Baku’s proposals on the withdrawal of third-party forces on the border and all international legal claims. However, Baku insists Armenia amend its constitution to remove alleged territorial claims as a prerequisite to signing a peace treaty.