European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrived in Yerevan on July 2 for a working visit, according to Armenian media. The trip is part of the European Union's broader diplomatic activity in the South Caucasus.

Following talks with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in Baku, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the launch of a new package of EU initiatives for the South Caucasus. Brussels expects to support the peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan not only politically, but also through the development of transport, energy, and social infrastructure.

Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister Mnatsakan Safaryan stated that Russia's possible participation in the TRIPP transport project is not currently under consideration. He stated that the project is being implemented between Armenia and the United States, with the relevant agreement already signed and in the implementation phase.

During her visit to Azerbaijan, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the EU's intention to expand cooperation with Baku. According to her, Brussels expects to strengthen the partnership in several areas—from trade and transport to energy and the economy.

United Russia has formed regional groups for the upcoming elections. As in previous campaigns, the party lists in most Russian regions are headed by incumbent regional leaders – from Tatarstan head Rustam Minnikhanov to acting Dagestan head Fyodor Shchukin.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced that the new government and parliamentary majority intend to relaunch or update the entire package of democratic reforms. He made this statement at the opening of the two-day "Armenian Platform for the European Dialogue of Prosecutors," Armenpress reports.

An injured griffon vulture was found in a village in the Sisian community of Armenia. This rare bird species is listed in the country's Red Book.

The Gakharia – For Georgia party demanded that the country's authorities bring the situation in South Ossetia up for discussion at the 67th round of the Geneva International Discussions, declaring a new stage in the region's rapprochement with Russia.

Today, Idris Tumgoev, imam of the Akhli Sunnah mosque, was taken away from his home in the Ingush village of Surkhakhi. Law enforcement conducted a search of his home. He was then taken to an unknown location, according to the opposition Chechen channel NIYSO. The reasons for his detention are also unknown.

The Nalchik Garrison Military Court sentenced Private Bai-Ali Barakhoev to six years in prison. He was found guilty of absenting himself from his unit without leave for more than a month.