Armenia is set to receive a support package worth more than €50 million ($58.2 million) from the European Union (EU) after Russia, its largest trading partner, imposed restrictions on a range of Armenian exports.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, said the bloc would also ease trade barriers for certain Armenian products, particularly food and agricultural goods.
Ahead of Armenia’s parliamentary elections on Sunday, Moscow imposed trade restrictions on several Armenian sectors, including fresh fruit and vegetables, fish, alcohol, flowers and mineral water.
Russian agencies have cited safety and standards concerns as the reason for the suspensions, most of which were introduced during May.
However, von der Leyen accused Moscow of applying economic pressure on Armenia for political purposes.
“This is nothing short of economic coercion, and it is unacceptable,” she said in a statement published on Thursday.
“By extending export restrictions on Armenian products, Moscow is weaponising economic relations for political pressure.
“We know this playbook all too well. This is why Europe stands firmly with Armenia.”
Armenia, a landlocked nation of around three million people, has traditionally maintained close ties with Moscow and is a member of the Russian-led Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) single market.
In recent years, however, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s government has sought closer relations with the EU.
In January, Pashinyan said his government “unequivocally and without question” wanted Armenia to become a member of the political and economic bloc.
Pashinyan’s Civil Contract party is currently leading opinion polls, holding a significant advantage over the pro-Russian opposition groups Strong Armenia and Armenia Alliance.
Russia has threatened to halt supplies of discounted energy to Armenia if it pursues EU membership, while the Russian-led EAEU has said it would consider suspending the country from the union.
Such a move would have an immediate impact on the Armenian economy. Russia accounted for around 35% of Armenia’s foreign trade in 2025, while the EU represented roughly 11%, according to government statistics cited by Armenian media.
Yerevan purchased 82% of its natural gas from Russia in 2025. Russian President Vladimir Putin said Armenia was paying $177.50 per 1,000 cubic metres of gas, compared with more than $600 in Europe.
As part of the EU’s easing of trade restrictions, von der Leyen said a shipment of 10,000 Armenian flowers would arrive in Latvia on Friday.
Armenia’s flower industry is among the sectors affected by Russian trade measures.
Moscow introduced temporary restrictions on Armenian flower exports in May, citing the risk of plant diseases and pests, a justification that von der Leyen described as “questionable.”
A Russian guided aerial bomb has struck an apartment building in Kharkiv, injuring 22 people, including children, according to the city’...
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan has arrived in Washington for talks with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on bilateral ties and ...
SpaceX’s next-generation Starship rocket reached orbit for the first time on Monday despite an unexpected engine shutdown, deploying 26 new S...
Iran has called for a diplomatic solution after U.S. President Donald Trump rejected its Hormuz proposal, while Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran was awaiting a definitive U.S. response through mediators.
A Russian guided aerial bomb has struck an apartment building in Kharkiv, injuring 22 people, including children, according to the city’s mayor. The strike follows a day of near-continuous Russian attacks across Ukraine that killed at least five people.
British police have arrested five men on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act after a major security incident was declared near RAF Fairford, a British air base used by U.S. air forces in Gloucestershire, England.
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan has arrived in Washington for talks with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on bilateral ties and key regional and international developments, Saudi state news agency SPA reported.
Here's your AnewZ Daily Brief for 28 September 2026. These are the top stories making headlines in technology.
Afghanistan’s Ministry of Defence says its forces killed 28 fighters and captured 32 others in Nuristan after armed groups, including alleged Islamic State members, crossed the border from Pakistan on Saturday.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) says it has captured a second U.S. military unmanned underwater vehicle in the Strait of Hormuz, as tensions between Tehran and Washington remain high.
Pakistan and Afghanistan have traded fresh accusations over alleged militant activity in Afghanistan’s northeastern Nuristan province as tensions between the two neighbours escalate.
Willy Sagnol’s six-year spell as Georgia head coach has ended, closing a historic chapter that saw the country reach its first European Championship and advance to the last 16.
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan arrived in Washington on Monday for talks with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio as Houthi attacks increase pressure on Riyadh and threaten Red Sea shipping.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment