The European Union is planning a support package for Armenia as a response to new economic restrictions being imposed by Russia. This was announced by EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen following a telephone conversation with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on Thursday.
According to the Commission President, Russia is using economic ties to exert political pressure by expanding import restrictions on Armenian products. The Union’s aid package includes immediate financial assistance exceeding 50 million euros. Furthermore, additional measures will aim to facilitate trade for specific Armenian products, particularly those in the agricultural sector. Practical support is also designated for sectors affected by these challenges, such as flower exports, as Russia recently curtailed the entry of Armenian flowers under dubious accusations. For example, a shipment of 10,000 flowers is scheduled for delivery to Latvia tomorrow.
In the long term, von der Leyen reiterated Europe’s dedication to implementing the connectivity partnership agreed upon at the recent summit in Yerevan. The reopening of trade corridors with Turkey-including the railway connection spanning Georgia and Turkey-is viewed as a significant achievement. She noted that Armenia has the potential to become a strategic hub connecting Europe, the South Caucasus, and Central Asia. The EU is prepared to assist Armenia with necessary infrastructure and border crossings as these regional connections resume and open up.
