EU Bid Moves From Talk to Process: Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan told parliament Armenia will start the formal EU membership application “in the near future,” saying a referendum would only come after Brussels responds and a roadmap is agreed. Kremlin Pushback on EU Path: Dmitry Peskov said EU and EAEU rules don’t match and warned Armenia to consider long-stalled cases like Turkey’s; he also said Yerevan is free to leave CSTO if it no longer needs it. Church-State Clash Escalates: Opposition lawmakers walked out after Pashinyan used Catholicos Karekin II’s lay name and accused the Church of turning into “war propaganda,” while outside Europe, a forum of Armenian associations said the ongoing trial of Karekin II raises alarms about the state-church relationship. Energy Decision Looms: Pashinyan said a decision on a new nuclear power plant is expected soon as Armenia reviews its energy strategy amid AI power demand. Army Safety Under Scrutiny: Armenia reported another non-combat death—conscription soldier Edgar Gevorgyan—while opposition claims deaths rose after the spiritual service was abolished. Society & Economy: Foreigners’ temporary residence permits in Armenia jumped 59% in H1 2026; and a Yerevan board-game startup “Hol,” backed by ACBA Bank, is pushing offline games and plans to export. Regional Security & Borders: In occupied north Cyprus, a new digital entry system will pre-screen arrivals; and Armenia’s government program keeps spotlight on Tigranashen/Tavush disputes and the TRIPP rail plan.