Transport & Trade: Armenia led EAEU freight and passenger traffic growth in H1 2026, with passenger traffic up 7.3% and freight up 12.1%, while Russia saw declines. EU Engagement: Yerevan and the European Union discussed strengthening their strategic partnership, with a focus on economy, trade, investment, energy and infrastructure. Defense & Tech Ties: Armenia and India signed an MoU to expand defense technology cooperation, including R&D, innovation and joint production, as India’s Defense Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh met Armenian high-tech officials. Sanctions Compliance: Armenia’s central bank ordered banks to identify and block transactions aimed at dodging Western sanctions tied to Russia, tightening checks on customers, counterparties and transaction flows. Banking Markets: Armeconombank completed an AMD-denominated bond placement worth 3bn drams ahead of schedule, and interbank FX activity showed a surge in USD transactions alongside a halt in euro trading. Energy Networks: Electric Networks of Armenia’s temporary manager Romanos Petrosyan highlighted tax growth, loan repayments and grid upgrades, including a new modular substation ahead of COP17. Business Security: Armenian cyber police raided a Yerevan-based group accused of posing as US freight carriers, redirecting shipments and converting proceeds into crypto.