The Week in Review - EVN Report

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of May 29: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio makes a whirlwind visit to Yerevan; days later President Donald Trump publicly endorses PM Nikol Pashinyan in a social media post; Armenia holds its first military parade in a decade, drawing criticism from opposition parties who say the event served as a campaign tool; Russia ramps up pressure on Armenia, warning of possible economic consequences if Yerevan continues moving closer to the European Union. The post Russia Imposes Trade Restrictions appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of May 22: A new investigation reveals alleged Kremlin efforts to prevent Nikol Pashinyan from securing victory in upcoming parliamentary elections; allegations emerge that Narek Karapetyan, head of the Strong Armenia party list, holds Russian citizenship; a video surfaces showing masked gunmen threatening the Prime Minister; Andranik Tevanyan, second on Prosperous Armenia’s electoral list, is charged with high treason and espionage and more. The post Election Campaign Woes appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of May 15: Armenia and Turkey launch formal trade relations; Russian President Vladimir Putin demands clarity on Armenia’s European ambitions; Brussels releases its first progress report on Armenia’s visa liberalization process and more. The post Armenia and Turkey Launch Formal Trade Relations appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of May 8: Armenia’s parliamentary election campaign officially kicks off; several major international summits place Armenia on the map; Armenia and Poland to hold joint military exercises and more. The post Election Campaign Kicks Off appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of May 1: Azerbaijan’s deputy prime minister visits Armenia for border delimitation talks; European Parliament adopts resolution backing Armenia’s upcoming elections, and calling for the right of return for Artsakh Armenian; Armenia’s new biometric passport design faces sharp criticism and more. The post European Parliament Backs Armenia’s Elections, Calls for Artsakh Armenians’ Right of Return appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of April 24: Armenians around the world mark the 111th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide; Azerbaijan destroys the Armenian cathedral in Stepanakert; Armenia and France to sign strategic partnership during Macron’s state visit to the country and more. The post Commemorating 111th Anniversary of Armenian Genocide appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of April 17: The European Union to deploy second mission to Armenia; several members of Samvel Karapetyan’s Strong Armenia Party detained on alleged election-related offenses; Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan says TRIPP is entering implementation phase and more. The post EU to Deploy Second Mission to Armenia appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of April 10: Armenia’s parliament speaker says Yerevan could withdraw from two major Russian-led blocs if Moscow raises gas prices or imposes economic pressure; Civil Contract parliamentarian warns of falling conscription numbers; Estonia opens embassy in Yerevan and more. The post Armenia Signals Limits to Moscow appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of April 3: Russian President Vladimir Putin wants pro-Russian forces to participate in Armenia’s upcoming elections; Russian Deputy PM warns Moscow may be forced to reconsider economic ties with Armenia; the anti-corruption committee uncovers alleged vote-buying scheme linked to Samvel Karapetyan’s party ahead of June 7 elections and more. The post Putin Advocates for Pro-Russian Forces in Armenia Elections appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of March 27: Armenia and Greece move toward strategic partnership; Armenia sends humanitarian aid to Iran; former Civil Contract MP appointed to Constitutional Court and more. The post Armenia, Greece Move Toward Strategic Partnership appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of March 20: E.U. announces €140 million in additional funding to Armenia to accelerate reforms; the Minister of Economy says Armenia is already feeling the effects of the conflict in Iran; EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas says Russia has already begun targeting Armenia ahead of its elections. The post E.U. Allocates Additional Funding to Armenia to Accelerate Reforms appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of March 13: the director of the Armenian Genocide Museum resigns following the prime minister’s request; Armenia’s Investigative Committee says the secret services of an unnamed country are pressuring Armenian citizens there to support certain parties running in the elections in Armenia; Pashinyan says Armenia is ready to provide a road connecting Azerbaijan’s western regions and Nakhichevan along the Kornidzor–Goris–Yeghegnadzor–Yeraskh route. The post Pashinyan Requests the Resignation of the Director of the Genocide Museum appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of March 6: Following U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran, the stakes are high for Armenia and the wider South Caucasus; Armenian Government is facilitating the return of Armenian nationals trapped across the Gulf and other regions; Electric Networks of Armenia, owned by Tashir Group, is to be nationalized and more. The post Regional Tensions Rise After Strikes on Iran appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of February 27: The EU to deploy a rapid response team to Armenia to help counter Russian interference ahead of parliamentary elections; Armenia and Poland sign a new defense cooperation agreement; Armenia’s Defense Minister meets senior Iranian officials as U.S.–Iran tensions rise and more. The post EU to Deploy Rapid Response Team to Armenia appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of February 20: Ruben Vardanyan sentenced to 20 years by military court in Baku; criminal charges filed against Catholicos Garegin II; Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan proposes transferring railway concession from Russian operator to third country and more. The post Ruben Vardanyan Sentenced to 20 Years by Baku Military Court appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of February 13: U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance makes a historic visit to Armenia, announcing major defense and nuclear deals, and sparking controversy over a deleted tweet; Armenia publicly showcases weapons purchased from India for the first time; Azerbaijani civil society representatives enter Armenia via the newly demarcated section of the shared border and more. The post J.D. Vance Makes a Historic Visit to Armenia appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of February 6: leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan meet in Abu Dhabi, where they were honored for efforts aimed at advancing peace; a Baku court delivers final verdicts against former leaders of Artsakh; the draft text of Armenia’s new constitution will be ready in March but the preamble, one of the most contested elements, will be addressed at a later stage. The post A Baku Court Delivers Final Verdicts Against Former Artsakh Officials appeared first on EVN Report.

The post Armenia to Receive €20M European Peace Facility Support appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of January 30: U.S. President Donal Trump confirms upcoming visit of Vice President J.D. Vance to Armenia and Azerbaijan; PACE warns of deepening political polarization and rising Church-State tensions in Armenia; Armenia set to receive €20 million in support through the European Peace Facility and more. The post Armenia to Receive €20M European Peace Facility Support appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of January 23: Ten Armenians who remained in Artsakh after its fall have been transferred to Armenia; the Foreign Intelligence Service says risk of war with Azerbaijan is low, even as rhetoric from Baku intensifies; Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan joins U.S. President Trump’s Board of Peace in Davos and more. The post Ten Armenians Who Remained in Artsakh Transferred to Armenia appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of January 16: Azerbaijan releases four Armenian captives held in Baku; Armenia and the United States agree on implementation framework for TRIPP; two Armenians confirmed dead amid ongoing protests in Iran and more. The post Four Armenian Captives Held in Baku Released appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of December 26: the Armenian government is prepared to fund the rehabilitation of several strategic railway segments, currently under Russian management, should the Russian side fail to fulfill its obligations; ICRC visits all Armenians currently held in Azerbaijan; the World Bank approves a $250 million grant for immediate housing assistance to Artsakh Armenians. The post World Bank Approves Grant to Support Refugee Housing in Armenia appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of December 19: the European Union approves 20 million euro military aid package under the European Peace Facility; the National Security Service releases document alleging Archbishop Ezras Nersisyan, the Catholicos’ brother collaborated with the Soviet KGB in the late 1980s; Azerbaijani gasoline reaches Armenia for the first time via the Azerbaijan-Georgia-Armenia rail route and more. The post EU Approves 20 Million Euro Military Aid Package appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of December 12: Armenia and Germany sign joint declaration on a new Strategic Agenda for bilateral partnership; Yerevan and Baku begin talks on potential export of Azerbaijani fuel to Armenia; Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan proposes a joint roadmap with Azerbaijan to close two issues: the return of Armenians to Nagorno-Karabakh and Baku’s so-called “Western Azerbaijan” narrative and more. The post Armenia and Germany Sign Strategic Partnership Declaration appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of December 5: Armenia and the EU adopt a new Strategic Agenda; Church–state tensions continue to escalate as ten bishops call for the Catholicos’ resignation; Government releases key OSCE Minsk Group documents from past Nagorno-Karabakh negotiations and more. The post Armenia and the EU Adopt New Strategic Agenda appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of November 28: A major rift erupts inside the Armenian Apostolic Church; wildfires across several regions of the country have been contained; Armenian civil society representatives visit Baku for a second round of dialogue with Azerbaijani counterparts and more. The post Major Rift Erupts Inside Armenian Apostolic Church appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of November 21: U.S. approves Nvidia chip exports to Armenia for the country’s first major AI data center; PM Nikol Pashinyan urges U.S. action on Armenian detainees held in Baku; Armenia and Kazakhstan to deepen ties, planning a strategic partnership and more. The post U.S. Approves Export of Nvidia Chips to Armenia appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of November 14: Nikol Pashinyan says construction of TRIPP will begin in mid-2026; Public Services Regulatory Commission moves to revoke Electric Networks of Armenia’s distribution license; Former leaders blame Pashinyan for triggering the 2020 war; he responds by pledging to release key negotiation documents by year’s end and more. The post TRIPP Timeline, ENA Shake-Up, and 2020 War Debate appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of November 7: Over 1,000 tons of Russian wheat arrives in Armenia through Azerbaijani territory; the EU hands over its Visa Liberalization Action Plan to Armenia, officially setting the process in motion; former President Serzh Sargsyan faces new corruption charges and more. The post New Charges Against Former Economy Minister appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of October 31: Church-state standoff in the country continues; one mayor is arrested at the airport, another is charged with corruption; Armenia to lift restrictions on transit of cargo to Azerbaijan and more. The post Church-State Standoff Continues appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of October 24: Gyumri’s controversial mayor, Vardan Ghukasyan, is detained on corruption charges; Armenian and Azerbaijani civil society representatives meet in Yerevan; Baku lifts its ban on cargo transit to Armenia through Azerbaijani territory; the government announced that mandatory military service will be reduced from two years to 1.5 starting in January 2026 and more. The post Gyumri Mayor Detained on Corruption Charges appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of October 17: Tensions deepen between the Armenian government and the Church; PM Pashinyan announces next stage of border demarcation to take place along section of planned TRIPP route; U.S. lawmakers introduce the PEACE Act to sanction Azerbaijan’s leadership and state oil company SOCAR for aggression against Armenia and more. The post Tensions Rise Between Armenian Government and the Church appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of October 10: Former President Robert Kocharyan gives lengthy press conference, announces his alliance will run in next year’s parliamentary elections; Yerevan’s Zvartnots International Airport announces $500 million expansion plan; two relatives of missing soldiers charged following scuffles with police during last week’s protest and more. The post Early Moves in Armenia’s 2026 Race appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of October 3: Pashinyan and Aliyev meet on sidelines of the European Political Summit; Health Ministry to roll out universal healthcare next year; Armenia to build a small modular nuclear reactor to replace the aging Metsamor plant and more. The post Armenia to Build Small Modular Nuclear Reactor appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of September 26: The mayor of Parakar and an off duty police officer are killed, the suspect is in police custody; Armenia hosts NATO seminars, in attendance are Turkish and Azerbaijani delegations; the government cuts back on the defence budget for 2026 but promises universal healthcare. The post Government Cuts the Defence Budget But Promises Universal Healthcare appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of September 19: The European Court of Human Rights has issued its most significant ruling in regards to the deadly March 1, 2008 crackdown on protesters in Yerevan; the head of Armenia’s National Security Service is in Baku leading a delegation participating in an International Security Forum and Netherlands has pledged €14 million in aid to help Karabakh refugees with affordable housing. The post ECHR Rules Armenia Violated the Right to Life of March 1 Victims appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of September 12: U.S. pledges $145 million in assistance as first major step toward making TRIPP initiative a reality; Turkish delegation led by special envoy crosses Margara Crossing into Armenia for sixth round of talks; Defense Ministry proposes shortening compulsory military service by six months and more. The post $145 million U.S. Pledge for TRIPP Project appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of September 5: Armenia and China sign strategic partnership; the Investigative Committee confirms a case of treason within Armenia’s foreign ministry; the OSCE announces it will dissolve the Minsk Group and more. The post Armenia and China Sign Strategic Partnership appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of August 29: The full texts of the three MOUs signed between Pashinyan and Trump are released; Armenia and the UK agree to elevate their relationship to a strategic partnership; Pakistan, which has refused to recognize Armenia, is now in talks with the Armenian foreign ministry about possibly establishing diplomatic relations and more. The post Three MOUs Signed by Pashinyan & Trump Published appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of August 22: Iran’s president makes his first official visit to Armenia; Armenia allocates $3.2 million to hire an international law firm to represent it at the Stockholm Arbitration Tribunal and the Corruption Prevention Commission rules that PM Pashinyan twice violated the code of conduct in public statements. The post Iranian President’s First Official Visit to Armenia appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of August 15: what the Washington Accords promise to bring to the South Caucasus; family of billionaire Samvel Karapetyan launches a $500 million investment arbitration against Armenia; as the Nubarashen landfill burns, the Yerevan Municipality announces plans for Armenia’s first waste recycling plant. The post What Will Washington Accords Bring to the South Caucasus appeared first on EVN Report.

https://evnreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/WebSite_August_1_Week_In_Review.mp3 The post Armenia to Temporarily Host Palestine’s Endangered Heritage appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of July 25: An international arbitration court orders Armenia to halt efforts to seize control of ENA; Azerbaijani President Aliyev accuses Armenia of stalling key infrastructure projects, warns of deepening political isolation; PM Pashinyan unveils plans to remove the Catholicos, calling it a spiritual mission to renew the Church and society. The post Arbitration, Aliyev and Church Showdown appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of July 18: a U.S.-backed proposal to lease a 32-km stretch of Armenian territory linking Azerbaijan to Nakhichevan raises questions over sovereignty; PM Nikol Pashinyan holds a marathon press conference on regional connectivity, Armenia’s EU path, the CSTO and more; and from detention, Russian-Armenian billionaire Samvel Karapetyan announces plans to launch a new political party. The post Marathon Press Conference, Issues of Connectivity and New Political Parties appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of July 11: The leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan hold a high-level meeting in Abu Dhabi; three Armenian parliamentarians are stripped of their immunity and face criminal charges; seven members of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation are detained in terrorism-related investigations and more. The post Pashinyan and Aliyev meet in Abu Dhabi appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of July 4: EU unveils €270 million Resilience and Growth Plan for Armenia; Parliament passes amendments that could pave the way for nationalization of Electric Networks of Armenia and Tashir Group calls it politically motivated expropriation and warns Armenia could face international arbitration. The post EU unveils €270 million Resilience and Growth Plan for Armenia appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of June 27: Tensions continue to escalate between the Armenian government and the Church; Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan, who led last year’s opposition protests, has been detained on charges of attempting to overthrow the government; National Security Service officers clash with supporters and clergy at the Holy See of Etchmiadzin while trying to detain another archbishop and more. The post Tensions Escalate Between Armenian Government and Church appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of June 20: Israel-Iran conflict starting to have ripple effects in Armenia; Russian-Armenian billionaire is in pretrial detention on charges of inciting the seizure of power; PM Nikol Pashinyan is in Turkey at Erdogan’s invitation and more. The post Pashinyan Calls to Nationalize Armenia’s Power Grid appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of June 13: Armenia condemns attack on Iran, urges calm; a $500 million public-private partnership to build cutting-edge AI infrastructure in Armenia is unveiled by Firebird, the Armenian Government and NVIDIA; gas explosion in Gegharkunik kills five, injures over a dozen and more. The post A $500 Million Public-private Partnership to Build Cutting-edge AI Infrastructure in Armenia appeared first on EVN Report.

In EVN Report’s news roundup for the week of June 6: Two teenagers from Syunik region accidentally cross into Azerbaijani territory; France opens an Honorary Consulate in Syunik’s town of Goris; tensions between PM Nikol Pashinyan and the Church flare up once again and more. The post Two Teenagers from Syunik Accidentally Cross Into Azerbaijani Territory appeared first on EVN Report.