EU works to support Armenia amid Russian pressure

The EU is working with the Armenian government and businesses to help overcome economic pressure from Russia, French Ambassador to Armenia Olivier Decottignies has said.

“We, as Europeans, are working hand in hand with the Government of the Republic of Armenia and companies operating in Armenia to help overcome the pressure you are experiencing today,” Decottignies said at a meeting with Armenian exporters organized by the International Trade Centre, referring to the recent restrictions repeatedly imposed by the Russian Federation on imports of Armenian goods.

He said that discussions are underway on practical issues such as logistics, as well as all possible measures through which the European Union can support the export of Armenian products to European markets and increase the attractiveness of these goods in Europe as much as possible.

“The European Union, and our European friends, are not asking you to make a choice. We are a reliable partner; we do not threaten, we do not pressure; we help, and we want to be confident that Armenia’s economic relations with the European Union — the world’s most extensive economic network — continue to grow and make you secure,” the French Ambassador to Armenia said.

Russia has been imposing growing restrictions in recent weeks on the import of Armenian goods, ranging from flowers and certain fruits and vegetables to mineral water, fish, and alcoholic drinks, citing phytosanitary violations.

Armenia’s Economy Minister Gevorg Papoyan has said that Armenian exportable fruits and vegetables have a GlobalG.A.P. certificate, one of the highest-level certifications, and that efforts are underway to find new markets, particularly in the EU.

Details of the EU’s support measures were released following a phone call between Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. In particular, the EU is preparing a support package for Armenia, which includes immediate financial assistance worth over €50 million.