European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will travel to Azerbaijan and Armenia next week as the European Union steps up efforts to strengthen partnerships across the South Caucasus and support regional peace initiatives.

European Commission Chief Spokesperson Paula Pinho said that von der Leyen will arrive in Baku on July 1 before continuing her visit to Yerevan, The Caspian Post reports via Report.

Pinho said the trip is intended to demonstrate the EU’s commitment to deeper engagement in the region and its support for achieving a lasting peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

“Peace, transport connectivity, and economic integration will be the main themes of the visit,” she said, noting that special attention will be given to improving transport links among Europe, the South Caucasus, and Central Asia.

The visit comes as Brussels seeks to strengthen strategic connections along key East-West trade routes, including the rapidly growing Middle Corridor linking Europe and Asia.

European media have already described the upcoming trip as a “Silk Road journey,” reflecting the increasing importance of regional transport networks amid shifting geopolitical dynamics and ongoing instability in the Middle East.

Discussions will focus on regional connectivity and the changing balance of power across Eurasia, with transport corridors gaining greater significance for trade and energy security.

Von der Leyen is also expected to make a number of important policy announcements during the trip, which is being closely watched by regional and international observers.