EU backs Armenia–Georgia power links, steps up investments in Syunik

By Alexander Pracht

The European Union is supporting new electricity interconnection projects between Armenia and Georgia and expanding investments in Armenia’s southern Syunik region, Vasilis Maragos, the bloc’s ambassador to Armenia, said in an interview with Armenian Public TV on Monday. 

The EU views both focus areas as vital for Armenia's push to strengthen energy security, connectivity and regional integration, he explained. 

Maragos said that the EU, together with international financial institutions, is investing in Armenia’s integration into the Caucasus electricity distribution network. 

“These investments will help Armenia export its electricity to Georgia and through Georgia to Europe,” Maragos said, referring to the Black Sea submarine cable project, which was put on paper in September 2024. The project is expected to connect Georgia with Romania and the rest of Europe via a high-voltage direct current electricity cable and a fiber-optic internet cable laid underwater across the Black Sea.

Maragos added that the EU also supports Armenia’s push for renewable energy, pointing to large-scale projects such as the Masrik solar plant near Lake Sevan, as well as grid modernisation and cross-border transmission lines. He said energy diversification and interconnection are key to boosting Armenia’s economic resilience and long-term energy security.

Besides energy projects, the EU is increasing infrastructure investments in Syunik, a strategically important region bordering Iran and Azerbaijan. Maragos said EU funding under the Global Gateway initiative is focused on improving transport and local infrastructure connecting Syunik with the rest of Armenia.

The EU is currently investing in the construction of a highway connecting the towns of Sisian and Kajaran, a project seen as critical for reducing travel times and improving access to Syunik. It is also of strategic importance for Armenia’s national security as the route passes through a narrow stretch of territory where Armenia is bordered by Azerbaijan both in the east and west, and the only existing road runs extremely close to the frontier.

Maragos added that the EU is also funding smaller-scale projects in Syunik, including local infrastructure and community-level initiatives, alongside continued support for private sector development and job creation across the country.

The investments come amid deepening EU–Armenia cooperation following the signing of a strategic partnership agenda earlier this month. The agreement covers economic reforms, connectivity, energy, and security cooperation.