EU consistently emphasizing regional peace - Vassilis Maragos 

ArmInfo. The EU is ready to use its instruments to invest not only in the "Trump Route" (TRIPP), but also in the government's "Crossroads of Peace" project, which Brussels also supported two years before its official announcement.  EU Ambassador to Armenia Vassilis Maragos told reporters this during  a press tour in the Syunik region.

The ambassador noted that the events that took place in Washington on  August 8 were received positively by the European Union. In this  vein, he added that the European side expressed its readiness to  support the initiatives discussed at the meetings after Washington.

"From this point on, the EU has consistently supported peace in this  region. Of course, many aspects of the 'Trump Route' still need to be  clarified. But as a partner of Armenia, Armenians, and the Armenian  government, we support this process," Maragos noted.

The ambassador also emphasized that the EU is ready to participate in  all infrastructure work to be carried out along this route in the  Syunik region. He stated that the EU is in contact with the Armenian  government and will continue to work together in this area, seeking  to understand how they can facilitate these processes. This includes,  as the European diplomat noted, capacity building, which is important  for ensuring transport communications and trade flows through  Armenia.

Maragos also touched on the ?2.5 billion investment under the Global  Gateway strategy. The EU ambassador recalled that, starting in 2021,  at the summit held in mid-July in Brussels, Prime Minister Nikol  Pashinyan and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen met  to announce the investments, which are already being implemented.

In particular, Maragos explained, the Sisian-Kajaran road section  project, including the tunnel, is in the preparatory stage.  Investments also include the "Green City" program, which includes the  purchase of 97 buses with EU funding.

Furthermore, the ambassador noted, significant investments will be  made in the construction of a power transmission line between Armenia  and Georgia. "This is important for the development of the  electricity market in Armenia. All of this also impacts the economy  and business, including the creation of new jobs.  However, we are  here not only to provide support, but also to stand with you and see  Armenia become more independent. I would also like to note the  importance of the EU observer mission. The European Union strives to  promote peace, which speaks to the EU's solidarity with Armenia," the  ambassador concluded.