PanARMENIAN.Net - European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has announced that the European Union will provide Armenia with 50 million in immediate assistance.
She said she held a phone conversation with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to discuss restrictions imposed by Russia on Armenian exports.
According to von der Leyen, the developments amount to a form of economic coercion that cannot be considered acceptable, Factor.am reports.
"By extending restrictions on exports of Armenian products, Moscow is turning economic relations into a tool of political pressure. We know this playbook very well. That is why Europe stands firmly with Armenia. We are preparing an EU support package," the European Commission president stated.
According to von der Leyen, the planned 50 million package will be followed by additional measures.
She said actions are being prepared to facilitate trade in certain Armenian products, particularly agricultural goods. Practical support is also being provided to sectors affected by the restrictions, including floriculture.
According to von der Leyen, following Russian restrictions on flower imports from Armenia, a new export route has already been organized, and the first shipment of 10,000 flowers is scheduled to arrive in Latvia on June 5, with additional deliveries to follow.
"We will also continue connecting our businesses, in line with the commitments undertaken at the recent summit in Yerevan. Since 2024, EU support through the Resilience and Growth Plan has already helped 7,000 businesses and contributed to the creation of more than 20,000 jobs. Armenia is a place where talent, innovation, and opportunity come together. It is an important destination for European businesses. In the long term, I reaffirmed Europe's commitment to implementing the ambitious Connectivity Partnership agreed at the summit," she said.
Von der Leyen also emphasized that the recent reopening of trade routes with Turkey, including the restoration of railway links through Georgia and Turkey, represents significant progress for regional connectivity.
In her assessment, Armenia can become a strategic hub linking Europe, the South Caucasus, and Central Asia. Brussels has expressed readiness to support the development of infrastructure and border crossing points as regional connections expand.
"We will continue advancing these priorities together at the ministerial meeting of the Connectivity Platform on June 23. To ensure effective coordination across all these areas, we agreed to establish a joint EU-Armenia working group. It will oversee the implementation of these initiatives and any future measures," the statement said.
Russia has imposed restrictions on imports of Armenian products. In particular, imports of Jermuk mineral water, flowers, and certain alcoholic beverages from Armenia have been banned. Restrictions have also been introduced on several agricultural products, including tomatoes, cucumbers, and strawberries. Since June 2, Russia has restricted imports of cherries, apricots, peaches, plums, grapes, and other stone fruits from Armenia, as well as their transit to other Eurasian Economic Union member states. Since June 3, Russia has also restricted imports of eggplants, potatoes, and dried fruits originating from and exported by Armenia.
Source: PanArmenian.Net
