EU-Armenia Security: The EU has launched its Partnership Mission in Armenia (EUPM Armenia) to help Yerevan boost resilience against hybrid threats, including cyber risks, foreign information manipulation, and illicit financial flows. Energy & Regulation: Armenia’s Public Services Regulatory Commission chief met an IMF delegation to discuss tariff formation and how to develop competition across electricity, gas, water, and telecoms. Court & Energy Assets: An Armenian administrative court rejected Tashir Capital’s bid to overturn the government’s handling of 70% of Electric Networks of Armenia shares. Business & Labor Fallout: Lawyers for Gagik Tsarukyan are moving toward international arbitration over the suspension of his companies, while Multi Tabak employees demand a return to work and clarity on pay. Macroeconomic Outlook: Fitch affirmed Armenia’s BB- rating at BB- with a Positive Outlook, forecasting 5.2% GDP growth and 4.4% inflation in 2026. Trade & Sanctions Pressure: Armenia-Russia trade fell 20.5% in the first five months of 2026 as Russian import restrictions and weaker re-exports hit flows. Innovation Push: The Seaside Startup Summit Armenia 2026 will run July 26–Aug 1 in Sevan with 2,000 participants from 50+ countries. Diplomacy & Development: Armenia joined the “Trade over Aid” initiative, with UNDP highlighted as a key partner for governance and investment-focused reforms.