European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the allocation of over €50 million in financial assistance to Armenia. This measure is prompted by Russia's actions, which imposed restrictions on the import of Armenian products. Von der Leyen issued the corresponding statement following a conversation with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.
"By imposing export restrictions on Armenian goods, Moscow is resorting to using economic levers to exert political pressure. We are well acquainted with this method. This is precisely why Europe is providing Armenia with decisive support," the European Commission President emphasized.
Von der Leyen clarified that steps are planned to facilitate access to the EU market for a number of Armenian goods, including from the agrifood sector.
"To ensure effective cooperation in all these areas, we have agreed to establish a joint EU-Armenia working group. This body will monitor the implementation of all planned measures and make decisions on future initiatives,” she noted.
Particular attention was paid to Armenian flowers, the import of which to Russia was recently restricted. According to von der Leyen, the European Union is already providing assistance in redirecting supplies of these flowers to other markets.
The head of the European Commission also reported that, thanks to EU support, 7,000 Armenian companies have received assistance since 2024, creating over 20,000 jobs.
Amid the upcoming parliamentary elections in Armenia on June 7, relations between Yerevan and Moscow are sharply deteriorating. Russia is questioning the pro-Western course chosen by Nikol Pashinyan. In response to Armenia's desire for rapprochement with Europe, Russia has begun restricting the import of Armenian products, including flowers, mineral water, vegetables, fruits, and fish. Earlier, Prime Minister Pashinyan also stated that the Armenian government will support Armenian businesses affected by Russian sanctions.
Russia, along with Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan, are insisting on a referendum in Armenia to determine the country's continued membership in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) or its aspirations for EU integration. Pashinyan refused to hold such a referendum. The Armenian prime minister described the trade bans as a "mistaken step" that is causing public backlash against the EAEU. He noted that some of the products rejected by Russia will be diverted to other countries.
