Key facts
- The EU is preparing an economic support package for Armenia valued at €50 million ($58 million).
- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the package.
- The aid is intended to support Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan ahead of upcoming elections.
- The EU stated the package is a response to Russian trade restrictions against Armenia.
- Von der Leyen accused Russia of using economic relations for political pressure and coercion.
The European Union is preparing an economic support package for Armenia, valued at €50 million ($58 million), announced by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. This initiative aims to bolster Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's government ahead of upcoming parliamentary elections and counter recent Russian trade restrictions, which the EU has labeled as economic coercion and unacceptable. Von der Leyen stated that Moscow is weaponizing economic relations for political pressure and that Europe stands firmly with Armenia. The announcement follows Russia's imposition of restrictions on some Armenian imports, which Moscow attributed to safety concerns during seasonal harvest inspections. The EU's pledge, while significant, is dwarfed by Armenia's substantial trade reliance on Russia, which includes preferential gas pricing. Armenia's foreign minister has indicated a desire to maintain and deepen relations with Russia, despite seeking closer integration with the EU.