Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan will be awarded this year's Hessian Peace Prize. The award is given to him for his efforts in promoting democracy and for peaceful resolution of the long-standing conflict with Azerbaijan.
The parliament of the German state of Hesse announced that since taking office in 2018, Pashinyan has advanced democratic reforms and brought Armenia closer to the European Union.
“Armenia has traditionally had close allied relations with Russia, but under Pashinyan's leadership, it is increasingly orienting itself towards Europe. The goal of joining the European Union is also enshrined in Armenian legislation,” the statement said.
It is noted on the official website that the 51-year-old former journalist is also being recognized for his policies aimed at resolving the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. It is mentioned that in August 2025, the two countries reached an agreement on a peace treaty with the mediation of the United States.
According to the assessment of the board of trustees of the award, Pashinyan prefers diplomacy and political negotiations over military escalation.
The president of the Hesse parliament, Astrid Walman, stated that the award is a “visible signal” in favor of the progress made in the peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan and non-violent ways of conflict resolution.
Nikol Pashinyan will receive the award on September 18 at a solemn ceremony in the Hesse parliament in Wiesbaden.
The Hessian Peace Prize amounts to 25,000 euros and is awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to international understanding and peace.
Last year, the award was received by Colombian environmental activist Gianni Silva. Previous laureates include John Hume, a participant in the peace process in Northern Ireland, former UN official Sadako Ogata, former EU High Representative Federica Mogherini, the Dalai Lama, and other notable figures.
