AI & Semiconductors Investment: Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan toured the Eleveight AI plant in Gegharkunik, where the first phase investment totals $150m (about $70m already used). The facility starts at 5 MW, with plans to expand to 40 MW; demand is already fully booked after one month, supported by an MoU enabling export of NVIDIA Blackwell B300 GPUs. EAEU Integration Tensions: Pashinyan again argued that an EU-vs-EAEU referendum is premature and would be “meaningless” without formal EU application steps, while also pushing for a more competitive, barrier-free EAEU common market. He cited 2025 figures: $319m paid into the EAEU customs budget vs $175m returned. Trade & Growth Signals: Armenia’s economy grew faster in H1 2026 (7.9%), driven by industrial recovery, construction acceleration, and stronger energy and services, while foreign trade turnover dipped slightly (-0.1% to $9.57b). Food & Export Pressure: Russia-linked restrictions on Armenian goods continued to surface in parliamentary-level talks, including bans affecting agricultural products and beverages. Tourism, Gaming & Hospitality: Yerevan is set to host a $500m hotel-entertainment-gaming complex (about 1,000 jobs expected), and Subway is considering entering Armenia with 60+ branches and $150k–$300k per unit. Infrastructure: Iranian firms have started building the 7.2-km Kajaran Tunnel as part of the North-South Corridor. Wine Cluster: Progress on the Areni Wine Cluster was discussed, alongside updated concerns about declining wine output and exports. Governance & Compliance: Irregularities were reported in an Araratcement sports school acquisition, triggering an anti-corruption review.