Alexander Pracht
The European Union is preparing a package of trade support measures for Armenia to help the country cope with Russia’s recent sweeping import bans, the Financial Times reported on Wednesday, citing sources within the European Commission.
“Now is the time for us to step up and support them, and show that we can be a dependable partner,” one source said. “They need friends… and we need to protect our neighbourhood.”
According to the publication, the measures would cover most of the roughly 20 product categories targeted by the Russian restrictions, worth an estimated $487 million annually. The proposal would require approval from a majority of EU member states and the European Parliament.
Also read: Armenia faces sweeping Russian import restrictions across industries
EU foreign ministers discussed the issue with Armenia’s Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan in Luxembourg on Monday. EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos is also expected to visit Armenia early next month.
“The Commission will propose autonomous trade measures to help more Armenian businesses access new market opportunities in the EU and support the country’s economy where it has been most affected,” European Commission spokesperson Olof Gill told the FT.
Moscow has introduced broad restrictions targeting a large share of Armenia’s exports, including agricultural produce, alcoholic beverages, flowers, and mineral water, despite Armenia’s membership in the Russian-led Eurasian Economic Union.
While Russia has described the measures as technical and linked them to alleged systemic violations of product quality, many economists characterize the move as a trade war. The restrictions have coincided with increased political pressure on Yerevan.
The criticism from Moscow has focused on Armenia’s deepening engagement with the EU, which Russia views as an adversary. Last month, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Armenia should hold a national referendum to decide whether to maintain close ties with Russia or pursue EU membership.
Also read: Putin warns Armenia’s EU pivot could mirror Ukraine scenario
Putin also warned that Armenia risks repeating Ukraine’s trajectory following 2014, which led to Russia’s annexation of Crimea, a proxy war in Donbas, and a full-scale invasion in 2022. Similar rhetoric has since been echoed by other senior Russian officials.
Also read: Pashinyan responds to Russia’s demands for bloc integration referendum in Armenia
Earlier this month, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan rejected calls for a referendum, saying such a move would be premature.
“Before Armenia formally applies for EU membership or comes close to achieving candidate status, holding any referendum would not make sense,” he said.
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