Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan addressed the European Parliament in Strasbourg today, stating that the peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan represents a historic turning point for the South Caucasus. He described the recent developments in the region as changes of "centenary, if not millennial, significance."
In his speech, Pashinyan noted that the most significant development since his previous address to the parliament in October 2023 has been the progress toward establishing peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Speaking at a joint press conference with EP President Roberta Metsola and during his address to the General Assembly, Pashinyan revisited the concept of security. He remarked that for 30 years, Armenia perceived security solely through the lens of the army and weaponry. "It is now clear to me that the only guarantee of security is peace. The second layer of security is economic cooperation and mutual interdependence," he stated.
While noting ongoing military cooperation with France and support received from the European Peace Facility, the Prime Minister emphasized that the military should not be viewed as a foreign policy tool, but rather as a "reserve" to be deployed only when diplomatic instruments fail. Pashinyan also identified the frozen political dialogue between the EU and Georgia as the greatest challenge facing Armenia’s EU integration process. Vowing that Armenia will continue reforms to meet EU standards, he said, "If the EU accepts us as a full member, that is excellent; if not, we still win by being a country that has attained EU standards."
Regional Transportation and the TRIPP Project
Stating that the peace achieved with Azerbaijan has created opportunities for new infrastructure projects, Pashinyan announced that Armenia is ready "even today" to provide a highway connection between Azerbaijan and Nakhchivan via its existing infrastructure (the Kornidzor-Goris-Yeghegnadzor-Yeraskh route).
Reminding the audience that there has been total tranquility at the border for eight months and that 2025 was recorded as the first year since 1991 without any loss of life, the Prime Minister highlighted that a train departing from Azerbaijan reached Armenia in November 2025. He expressed his gratitude to the Azerbaijani administration for lifting this restriction. Pashinyan also announced that an agreement regarding the practical implementation of the "Trump Road for International Peace and Prosperity" (TRIPP) project between the US and Armenia would be signed soon.
Karabakh Refugees and Detained Armenians
Regarding the situation of Armenians who migrated from Karabakh, Pashinyan stated that the emotions of refugees should not be exploited and expressed his opposition to giving them "false hope." He explained that Yerevan’s clear strategy is to settle these individuals permanently in the country by granting them Armenian citizenship, noting that 4,886 families have already benefited from this program.
Pashinyan maintained that they are conducting "quiet diplomacy" for the release of Armenians held in Baku, arguing that the recent release of four individuals was a result of this strategy. He reminded the assembly that 19 Armenians, including former political and military leaders of Nagorno-Karabakh (such as Arayik Harutyunyan, Ruben Vardanyan, Davit Babayan, etc.), remain imprisoned in Azerbaijan.
Domestic Politics: "We Will Not Allow a New War"
Defending the decision to begin the border delimitation process with Azerbaijan in April 2024 as having saved Armenia from the brink of destruction, Pashinyan used harsh words against the domestic opposition movement led particularly by the Church.
Citing the border village of Kirants as an example of a place that is now much safer and more developed than before, Pashinyan accused certain clergy members of having links to foreign intelligence services (with an emphasis on the "KGB") and of conspiring with former rulers to drag the country into a new war. The Prime Minister stated, "We will never allow our independence, won with the blood of thousands of victims, to be sacrificed for anti-Christian goals or for the country to be led into a new war."
Message on the Middle East
Finally, addressing the escalating tensions in the Middle East and the recent attacks by Israel and the US on Iran, the Prime Minister expressed that they are watching these events with deep sorrow. Defining Iran as a "thousand-year-old neighbor and a good friend" and the US and Arab nations as "good partners," Pashinyan added that as a modest state, Armenia can only pray for diplomatic solutions.
