EU pledges €200 million for South Caucasus connectivity

The European Union is set to inject up to €200 million in grant funding to bolster transport, energy, and digital infrastructure across the South Caucasus. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the initiative during a visit to Baku, emphasizing its role in fostering peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Von der Leyen met with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, highlighting the "Peace through Connectivity Package" as a means to translate peace agreements into tangible reality. The funding aims to strengthen regional ties and provide targeted assistance to local populations, potentially easing long-standing tensions in the region.

Beyond the major infrastructure projects, the EU will allocate an additional €20 million to programs supporting local communities in both Armenia and Azerbaijan. These funds will target critical areas such as healthcare, demining efforts, skills development, and the growth of local businesses, underscoring a commitment to holistic regional development and stability.

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Our 'Peace through Connectivity Package' will help build a peaceful and prosperous future for the South Caucasus. Together, we can turn peace on paper into peace in practice.