Page 8 - Caucasus Outlook 2025

the Anti-Corruption Committee, the Investigative Committee and the Central Committee, as well as the ministers of the interior and territorial administration and the chairman of the State Revenue Committee. Pashinyan described these changes as systemic reforms aimed at addressing shortcomings in governance and the judiciary.
The year was marked by domestic unrest, with significant protests led by Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan in May. These demonstrations called for Pashinyan's resignation over territorial disputes with Azerbaijan. Despite initial momentum, the protests lost traction over time.
Throughout the year, Armenia redefined its foreign policy, distancing itself from traditional alliances and seeking new partnerships. In June, Pashinyan announced plans to withdraw from the Russian-led Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO), citing unmet security commitments and threats to Armenia's sovereignty. The move was part of a broader strategy to reduce dependence on Russia as Armenia seeks closer ties with the European Union and the United States. In October, Armenia took partial control of its borders for the first time in 32 years, replacing Russian troops at a checkpoint on the Iranian border and beginning joint patrols with Russian troops along the Turkish border.
Armenia has been engaged in peace negotiations with Azerbaijan to resolve long-standing conflicts. These discussions followed the 2023 conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh, which led to the displacement of some 100,000 ethnic Armenians.
December in Armenia was mainly about the back and forth steps on the issues regarding the peace process with Azerbaijan. Despite the optimism of the government, the neighbours did not manage to achieve the signing of the deal, having, however, finalised the majority of the draft peace agreement.
Armenia sought to position itself as a global technology hub by hosting the 2024 World Congress on Innovation & Technology in Yerevan. This event attracted major technology investors and multinational companies, highlighting Armenia's potential in the technology sector. In addition, Armenia and Sweden discussed opportunities for bilateral economic cooperation, reflecting Armenia's efforts to diversify its international partnerships.
1.3 Politics – Azerbaijan
2024 was a year of significant political developments in Azerbaijan, marked by both domestic controversies and international attention. While the country hosted the prestigious COP29 UN Climate Change
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