cross-posted from: https://mander.xyz/post/53107907
The European Union will provide more than €50mn in immediate financial assistance to Armenia and help find alternative markets for Armenian exports after Russia imposed new trade restrictions on the South Caucasus nation, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on June 4.
Following a phone call with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, von der Leyen accused Moscow of using economic pressure against Yerevan as Armenia continues to deepen ties with the European Union.
"Russia's recent restrictions targeting Armenia are nothing short of economic coercion, and it is unacceptable," von der Leyen said.
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"By extending export restrictions on Armenian products, Moscow is weaponising economic relations for political pressure. We know this playbook all too well. This is why Europe stands firmly with Armenia."
The support package will include immediate financial assistance worth more than €50mn, measures aimed at easing trade in certain Armenian products, particularly agri-food goods, and practical assistance for sectors affected by the Russian restrictions, the Commission said.
Among the measures announced is support for Armenia's flower industry after Russia recently restricted imports of Armenian flowers, citing what Armenian officials have described as questionable phytosanitary concerns. Von der Leyen said a shipment of 10,000 Armenian flowers was due to arrive in Latvia on June 5 and that further deliveries would follow.
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The EU has become one of Armenia's most important political and economic partners. Brussels launched a Resilience and Growth Plan for Armenia in 2024, and von der Leyen said EU support under the programme had already helped 7,000 businesses and contributed to the creation of more than 20,000 jobs.
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Looking ahead, the Commission president said the EU remained committed to implementing an ambitious Connectivity Partnership agreed with Armenia. She welcomed the recent reopening of regional trade routes involving Turkey, including railway links through Georgia and Turkey, describing them as "an excellent step forward".
"Armenia has the potential to become a strategic hub connecting Europe, the South Caucasus and Central Asia," she said.
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[Armenians are set to vote on the country's future geopolitical direction on June 7. The election will be a test of public opinion in the long-standing Russia ally, where the population is increasingly eyeing the EU.]