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The Netherlands wants to help Armenia find new markets for its flower exports amid restrictions imposed by Russia, Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs Tom Berendsen said in Yerevan on Tuesday.
“Import restrictions imposed by Russia are creating difficulties for businesses, including those in the floriculture sector, and we very much welcome these opportunities for Armenia to benefit from the EU’s autonomous trade measures. We hope that Armenia will make full use of this opportunity. The Netherlands also wants to provide bilateral support to flower growers in finding markets for their products beyond Russia,” Berendsen said at a joint press conference with his Armenian counterpart Ararat Mirzoyan.
On 10 October, the EU’s Autonomous Trade Measures (ATMs) for Armenia entered into force, following the publication of Regulation (EU) 2026/2269 in the EU Official Journal.
The measures were formally adopted by the Council of the European Union on 24 September to support Armenia’s economy following trade restrictions recently imposed by Russia.
They will liberalize around 80% of Armenian exports to the EU, suspending import duties on a broad range of products, including certain agricultural goods. This temporary preferential arrangement will apply for a period of two years.
The measures will also contribute to supporting and strengthening trade flows from Armenia to the EU, in line with the objectives of the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA).