Armenia’s EU vs EAEU crossroads: Russian FM Sergey Lavrov urged Yerevan to quickly choose between EU accession and the Eurasian Economic Union, warning the two frameworks are “mutually exclusive” and pushing for a fast decision. IMF support and outlook: The IMF completed the first review under Armenia’s Stand-By Arrangement, unlocking about $25.1m, while keeping growth forecasts at 5.3–5.5% for 2026–27 and projecting inflation easing to 3.6% in 2027. Elections still ripple into business and policy: OSCE observers said Armenia’s June 7 vote offered voters real alternatives but noted campaign inequality tied to alleged vote-buying, prosecutions and foreign pressure; meanwhile Russia again claimed “unprecedented pressure” on the opposition. Cashless payments surge: Armenia’s State Revenue Committee reported non-cash payments up 31% in value in Jan–Apr 2026, driven by reforms, cashback and e-commerce rules. Food and trade pressure from Russia: Rosselkhoznadzor said it is monitoring Armenian imports monthly and has imposed temporary restrictions on multiple fresh and processed products, including tomatoes, fruits and vegetables. Wine economy boost: Yerevan Wine Days drew 180,000 visitors, and Armenian wines won top awards at Concours Mondial de Bruxelles. EU security cooperation: The EU appointed Cosmin George Dinescu to lead the new EU Partnership Mission in Armenia, focused on resilience and hybrid-threat response. Regional diplomacy: The US publicly congratulated PM Nikol Pashinyan, while Armenia’s election outcome continues to shape expectations for TRIPP-linked investment and regional normalization.