The European Union is preparing emergency trade measures to support Armenia following a series of Russian import restrictions that Brussels views as politically motivated, the Financial Times reported.
According to the FT, the European Commission is drafting autonomous trade measures that would reduce tariffs on Armenian food and agricultural exports, helping producers affected by recent Russian bans. The proposed measures are expected to cover most of the approximately 20 product categories targeted by Moscow and could apply to exports worth around €420 million annually.
The initiative comes after Russia imposed restrictions on a range of Armenian goods, including flowers, fruit, vegetables, fish, mineral water, wine and brandy, ahead of Armenia’s June 7 parliamentary elections. EU officials cited by the FT believe the measures were intended to increase pressure on Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s pro-Western government.
“The Commission will propose autonomous trade measures to help more Armenian businesses access new market opportunities in the EU and support the country’s economy where it has been most affected,” European Commission spokesperson Olof Gill told the Financial Times.
The FT noted that the proposals are expected to be presented within weeks and will require approval from EU member states and the European Parliament.
The move follows an earlier EU support package worth more than €50 million aimed at helping Armenia cope with the economic impact of Russian trade restrictions. The EU has already facilitated alternative export routes for some Armenian products, including flowers.
However, analysts cited by the Financial Times cautioned that the measures may only partially offset Armenia’s dependence on the Russian market. Armenia remains a member of the Russian-led Eurasian Economic Union, and logistical challenges associated with exporting goods from the landlocked country continue to pose difficulties.
The Financial Times said the initiative reflects Brussels’ broader effort to strengthen ties with Armenia as the country deepens cooperation with the European Union while relations with Moscow remain strained.
