EU-Russia Crossroads: Armenia has appealed to the EAEU over Russia’s import restrictions on Armenian goods, with Deputy Economy Minister Tigran Gasparyan saying Yerevan is using bloc mechanisms to lift “obstacles” and arguing the measures violate EAEU principles. Economic Pulse: Armenia’s GDP grew about 6% in the first half of 2026 (5.2T drams), driven by construction and services, while agriculture fell. Trade Diversification: Deputy Economy Minister Gasparyan says Armenia must open new markets and push higher standards for long-term resilience as Russia tightens pressure. New Markets Push: Armenia and Uzbekistan held foreign-ministry consultations to expand cooperation in trade, industry, logistics, agriculture, digital tech, tourism and education, including restoring direct air links. UAE Partnership: Armenia and the UAE discussed production and distribution centers, logistics hubs, green hydrogen, renewables and tourism, plus a B2B deal for Armenian fruit and vegetables. Armenia-Latvia Momentum: Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan met Latvia’s president in Riga on deepening EU-linked cooperation, energy and connectivity. Sports & Culture: FFA begins media accreditation for Armenia’s UEFA Nations League matches vs Latvia and Montenegro; Artsakh marked 35 years of independence in exile. Governance & Finance: Hamlet Sahakyan was appointed Deputy Finance Minister; Unibank launched a hybrid share-and-perpetual-bond offer with a 13.25% yield.