DUBLIN — Leaders from nine European countries and the European Union have reaffirmed their support for Armenia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence, pledging to strengthen the country’s economic and energy security amid growing pressure from Russia.

In a joint statement issued on November 12 during the ninth European Political Community Summit in Dublin, European leaders accused Moscow of intensifying political and economic pressure on Armenia, restricting Armenian exports, and threatening to use energy supplies as a means of intimidation.

The declaration followed a meeting with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan involving representatives of Estonia, France, Latvia, Lithuania, and the United Kingdom, along with senior EU officials. Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, and Poland also endorsed the statement.

“We reaffirm our support for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, stability, independence and resilience of the Republic of Armenia,” the leaders declared.

Referring to Armenia’s June 7 parliamentary elections, the European leaders said the Armenian people had demonstrated their preference for peace, democracy, and closer ties with Europe despite what they described as extensive Russian interference.

They accused Russia of subsequently increasing pressure on Yerevan through unprecedented trade restrictions and threats involving energy supplies.

In response, European leaders pledged to help Armenia safeguard its sovereignty and diversify its economic partnerships, particularly in trade and energy.

They highlighted the EU’s decision to temporarily suspend customs duties on approximately 80 percent of Armenian exports to the European Union. Approved in September, the trade preferences took effect on October 10 and will remain in place until October 11, 2028.

The measures cover a broad range of agricultural and industrial products and are intended to help Armenia expand its export markets and reduce its economic dependence on Russia.

European leaders also acknowledged the Armenian people’s European aspirations and pledged continued support for democratic reforms, economic development, and Armenia’s integration into regional transportation networks and international trade routes.

Addressing regional developments, the statement welcomed progress in the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process following the August 8, 2025, Washington summit, where Prime Minister Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev signed a joint declaration in the presence of U.S. President Donald Trump. The two countries’ foreign ministers also initialed a peace agreement, which has yet to be formally signed and ratified.

The European leaders further expressed support for the normalization of Armenia-Turkey relations, encouraging continued diplomatic efforts to promote lasting peace, stability, and regional cooperation.

The declaration reflects Europe’s growing commitment to supporting Armenia’s political and economic independence as Yerevan seeks to diversify its international partnerships and reduce its vulnerability to external pressure.