Key facts
- The EU has announced autonomous trade measures for Armenia, similar to those extended to Ukraine.
- The package aims to open the EU market to approximately 80 percent of Armenian exports.
- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen unveiled the measures during a visit to Yerevan.
- The trade relief is intended to help Armenian producers diversify away from the Russian market.
- The EU is also providing a €52 million support package, with a broader €288 million program for Armenia.
The European Commission has announced autonomous trade measures for Armenia, a move described as "Ukraine-style" relief aimed at bolstering the Armenian economy against increasing economic pressure from Russia. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen revealed the package during a visit to Yerevan, accompanied by Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos. They met with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, whose pro-European government recently secured a parliamentary majority.
Von der Leyen stated that the Armenian people have chosen reform and a closer partnership with the EU, emphasizing that no country should face pressure for its sovereign choices. The proposed trade rules, which require approval from the European Parliament and EU member states, would liberalize approximately 80 percent of Armenian exports to the bloc. This mechanism is similar to the one previously employed to support Ukraine's economy.
The EU argues that the package is designed to assist Armenian producers in diversifying their export markets, particularly in sectors that have faced recent trade restrictions from Russia. Earlier this year, Moscow's temporary blockage of Armenian flower imports prompted the EU to seek alternative markets for these exporters within the bloc. The trade initiative is part of a larger €288 million EU support program for Armenia. A high-level dialogue between the EU and Armenia is scheduled for later this year in Yerevan to assess economic reform progress and enhance cooperation.