EU supports Armenia’s media with €1.5 million amid political turmoil

The European Union (EU) has announced the allocation of €1.5 million to support independent media in Armenia, amid ongoing political challenges in the country, including a recent attempted coup, according to Deutsche Welle.

The announcement followed a meeting in Brussels on July 14 between Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

According to the EU, the funding is intended to strengthen Armenia’s information security in light of growing risks from hybrid threats, foreign interference and destabilization efforts.

EU leaders also reaffirmed their readiness to assist Armenia in the areas of security and defense.

Officials noted that Armenia has made tangible progress in its rapprochement with the EU, including steps toward visa liberalization. They welcomed the recent Armenian legislation aimed at formalizing closer integration with the EU.

More significantly for a small South Caucasus nation, the EU has pledged €2.5 billion in investment through the Global Gateway initiative. Additionally, Armenia is set to receive €270 million under the EU’s Sustainability and Growth Plan — introduced in spring 2024 — including €200 million in grants for the development of energy, transport and business sectors.

Despite these developments, Armenia’s domestic political situation remains tense. Last month, Pashinyan’s government disclosed that law enforcement had thwarted an attempted coup allegedly involving members of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Armenian authorities detained Russian businessman Samvel Karapetyan, an ethnic Armenian who owns the country’s largest energy company, accusing him of inciting the coup d’état. Two archbishops were later arrested in connection with the case.

Although Armenian officials have stopped short of directly accusing Russia, they have referred to «external interference» in the country’s internal affairs.

Amid preparations for a potential peace treaty with Azerbaijan and improving relations with Turkey, a long-time backer of Baku, Armenia is also reportedly seeking to nationalize Electric Networks of Armenia, a company currently controlled by entities linked to Karapetyan.