Armenia's Pashinyan welcomes von der Leyen's EC presidency, calls for closer cooperation

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has congratulated Ursula von der Leyen on assuming the role of President of the European Commission (EC) and expressed hope for enhanced cooperation with the new EC team.

"We look forward to closing cooperation with the new European Commission to elevate the partnership between Armenia and the EU to new heights," Pashinyan stated on X, Caliber.Az reports.

Armenian authorities have repeatedly emphasized their willingness to strengthen ties with the European Union, contingent on Brussels’ willingness to deepen relations.

Yerevan has also expressed its intent to diversify its economic partnerships, with a particular focus on expanding relations with the EU.

To recall, the European Parliament has approved the new European Commission team under the leadership of Ursula von der Leyen, who returns for a second term as Commission President.

After a debate on von der Leyen's proposed team and programme, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) voted to elect the entire College of Commissioners, with a roll call result of 370 votes in favour, 282 against, and 36 abstentions.

The detailed voting breakdown will be made available shortly on the European Parliament's website and in the official plenary session minutes.

To be confirmed, the College of Commissioners required a simple majority of the votes cast.

This approval follows von der Leyen's successful election in November 2019, marking the start of her first term. The new Commission is set to officially take office on December 1.

By Aghakazim Guliyev