The European Union will provide assistance to Armenia amid restrictions imposed by Russia on Armenian goods in recent weeks. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen made the announcement following a telephone conversation with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.
“This is nothing less than economic coercion, and it is unacceptable. By extending export restrictions on Armenian products, Moscow is using economic relations as a weapon to exert political pressure. We know this tactic all too well. That is why Europe stands firmly with Armenia. We are preparing an EU support package.
This includes immediate financial assistance of more than €50 million,” she said.
The European Commission also pledged to simplify trade conditions for certain Armenian products, including agri-food goods.
The EU will also support Armenian flower producers affected by the restrictions.
“Tomorrow, a shipment of 10,000 flowers is due to arrive in Latvia. More will follow. We will also continue building connections between our businesses, fulfilling the commitments made at our recent summit in Yerevan,” von der Leyen added.
She stressed that Armenia has the potential to become a strategic hub, particularly after the resumption of railway links with Turkey.
It should be recalled that Russia imposed restrictions on Armenian goods shortly before the country’s parliamentary elections, which are scheduled for June 7.