Rating Watch: Fitch affirmed Armenia’s BB- foreign-currency rating at BB- with a Positive outlook, forecasting 5.2% real GDP growth in 2026 and citing a resilient macro framework and low oil dependence. Public Finance: Fitch also expects Armenia’s general government deficit to narrow to 3.4% of GDP by 2028, with healthcare and universal health insurance costs still weighing on spending. EU Security Push: The EU launched a new Partnership Mission in Armenia under CSDP to help counter hybrid threats, including cyberattacks, foreign information manipulation and interference, and illicit financial flows—non-executive and advisory. TRIPP Control Clarified: The US said border security and customs on the TRIPP transit route will remain under Armenia’s control, preserving sovereignty and jurisdiction. Corporate Fallout & Protests: Workers at Gagik Tsarukyan’s Multi Group firms kept protesting sealed operations, while Araratcement reportedly resumed full capacity. Cyber & Fraud Alert: Armenia’s cyber police warned of a fake “Telcell Wallet” scheme offering a month of free Yerevan travel, urging users not to click social media links or share SMS codes. Energy/Trade Shock: A WTO report flagged how Strait of Hormuz tensions disrupt global fertilizer trade, raising food-security risks and highlighting fertilizer-import exposure for major exporters like Brazil. Business Expansion: Freedom Holding Corp. completed a $300m ordinary share offering to fund its international digital finance expansion. Healthcare Innovation: Slavmed performed Armenia’s first robotic remote surgery, with a urologist operating from Belgium.