Europe welcomes Pashinyan's election victory and promises support for reforms

European leaders congratulated Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on his victory in the parliamentary elections, Armenian media report.

European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas positively assessed the election results, emphasizing that the EU is trying to help Armenia as much as possible in carrying out reforms. Kaja Kallas stated this during an informal meeting of EU defense ministers: “I think the turnout (in the elections) was really good, and of course the votes have been counted. But now it seems that the people of Armenia, despite strong pressure from Russia, still chose a European future, and that is good. Of course, we are trying to help them as much as possible, including in carrying out future reforms.”

European Council President António Costa in his congratulations noted that the Armenian people voted for “peace, stability and a future based on closer cooperation with neighbors and the world.” “Congratulations to Nikol Pashinyan on the election results. You can be proud of your role in strengthening the resilience, stability and prosperity of Armenia,” the statement said. He also emphasized the development of bilateral relations: “The European Union and Armenia are together building stronger ties between people and creating new opportunities in the fields of energy, trade and digitalization. Our partnership contributes to a more peaceful and prosperous future for the entire region.”

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that Armenia can count on the European Union:

“The spirit of the 2018 Velvet Revolution, which you led, is alive and well. We deeply value our partnership with democratic Armenia, which is getting closer and closer to Europe.”

French President Emmanuel Macron called the voting results a “convincing victory”: “Sincere congratulations, dear Nikol Pashinyan, on this convincing victory in the parliamentary elections. I look forward to continuing our joint work for the benefit of our peoples, strengthening cooperation, protecting peace and the sovereignty of Armenia, as well as deepening ties with Europe.”