The EU Wants To Liberalize Trade With Armenia
- 2.09.2026, 22:12
The European Union stands with Yerevan and is sending a clear message in response to economic pressure from Russia.
The Council of the EU has adopted a decision on temporary measures to liberalize trade with Armenia in response to trade restrictions recently imposed by the Russian Federation. The Council’s press office announced this on Wednesday, September 2. “The measures will liberalize approximately 80% of Armenian exports to the EU,” officials in Brussels stated.
The preferential regime stipulates a number of conditions and includes safeguard measures to protect the EU market should imports have a negative impact on EU producers, reports DW.
“Europe stands with Armenia and its people, who have chosen a clear path of reform and closer cooperation with the European Union,” said Irish Foreign Minister Helen McEntire. “Today’s decision sends a clear signal: when faced with economic pressure, the EU will respond. We will create new opportunities and support our partners,” she emphasized.
The regulation provides for the temporary suspension of import duties on a wide range of Armenian goods, including various types of agricultural products. The measures will remain in effect for two years from the regulation’s entry into force and will cover nearly 99% of Armenian fruits, vegetables, and plants typically exported to Russia, as well as more than 91% of beverages and alcoholic drinks.
Officials in Brussels noted that trade restrictions previously imposed by Russia had blocked Armenian exports and transit routes.
The EU’s preferential treatment will remain in effect provided that Yerevan participates in administrative cooperation, refrains from imposing new trade restrictions on imports from the European Union, and complies with the fundamental elements of the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA), including the principles of democracy, the rule of law, and human rights.
The European Parliament is expected to endorse the measures at its September plenary session. This will be followed by final approval by the Council of the EU. The regulation will enter into force the day after its publication in the Official Journal of the EU.
Russia’s economic pressure on Armenia began and intensified against the backdrop of the country’s parliamentary elections and Yerevan’s decision to draw closer to the European Union. On May 22, Russia banned the import of flowers; on May 30, fresh vegetables and berries; on June 2, stone fruits and grapes; and on June 3, pome fruits, potatoes, eggplants, and dried fruits. In addition, imports of “Jermuk” mineral water, cognac, wine, live fish, and fish products had previously been blocked. On June 12, the Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance (Rosselkhoznadzor) announced a ban on the import of all plant products from Armenia. Then, on July 24, Russia blocked imports of Armenian dairy products.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen pledged to provide the republic with 50 million euros in aid due to Russian export restrictions.