European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa received a formal welcome in Yerevan on Tuesday (May 5). The visit came ahead of the first-ever bilateral summit between the European Union and Armenia, hosted by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.

The summit focused on strengthening bilateral relations, particularly in energy, transport and digital connectivity, with leaders also expected to discuss peace and security in the South Caucasus and global challenges, including the Middle East and Ukraine.

The two sides were also expected to adopt a new strategic agenda to deepen their partnership.

The landmark diplomatic event marked a significant step for Armenia, whose president signed into law a bill establishing a legal basis for EU membership, as it sought to expand international ties beyond its traditional ally, Russia.

The EU-Armenia summit followed the 8th meeting of the European Political Community, which brought together leaders from across the continent and beyond in Yerevan. The gatherings represent the largest international political event Armenia has hosted since its independence.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

YEREVAN, ARMENIA (MAY 5, 2026) (EUROPEAN UNION – Access all)

1. PRESIDENT OF THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION, URSULA VON DER LEYEN, SHAKING HANDS WITH OFFICIAL AND GREETING PRESIDENT OF THE EUROPEAN COUNCIL, ANTONIO COSTA, UPON ARRIVING / VON DER LEYEN AND COSTA WALKING AND GREETING ARMENIAN PRIME MINISTER NIKOL PASHINYAN / THREE LEADERS STANDING AND TAKING FAMILY PHOTO

2. VARIOUS OF COSTA (LEFT), PASHINYAN (CENTRE) AND VON DER LEYEN (RIGHT) WALKING ON RED CARPET PAST GUARD OF HONOUR

3. MILITARY BAND PLAYING

4. WELCOME CEREMONY IN PROGRESS

5. COSTA, PASHINYAN AND VON DER LEYEN GREETING OFFICIALS AND WALKING TO TAKE THEIR PLACE

6. WELCOME CEREMONY IN PROGRESS

7. COSTA (LEFT), PASHINYAN (CENTRE) AND VON DER LEYEN (RIGHT) STANDING

8. MILITARY BAND MARCHING PAST

9. VARIOUS OF COSTA (LEFT), PASHINYAN (CENTRE) AND VON DER LEYEN (RIGHT) STEPPING DOWN AND WALKING ON RED CARPET

10. EU AND ARMENIAN FLAGS

11. COSTA (LEFT), PASHINYAN (CENTRE) AND VON DER LEYEN (RIGHT) LEAVING

12. OFFICIALS LEAVING