Kissing babies, singing chansons: Macron touts Armenia’s 'new era,' stealing the show at EPC summit

Key Points:

• French President Emmanuel Macron received a warm welcome in Yerevan during the European Political Community (EPC) summit, symbolizing Armenia’s new era of closer ties with Europe amid settling peace in the South Caucasus.
• Macron, the architect of the EPC, praised Armenia’s pivot from Russian influence toward Europe, highlighting the country’s post-Velvet Revolution peace policy and its integration into a broader European community.
• Despite low domestic approval ratings in France, Macron enjoys strong popularity across the EU, bolstered by his vocal support for European autonomy and defense since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
• Macron’s cultural engagement, including singing Charles Aznavour’s “La Boheme” and awarding high state honors with Armenian leaders, underscored France’s significant role in Armenia’s geopolitical shift.
• Armenia’s government, led by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, has embraced a Western orientation following disillusionment with Russia’s support during conflicts with Azerbaijan, signaling a historic realignment in the region.