The Council of the European Union has agreed to suspend import duties on a range of Armenian products for two years to support the country’s economy, after Russia imposed trade restrictions.
The temporary liberalisation will cover 99 per cent of Armenia’s exports of fresh fruit, vegetables and plants exports to Russia, and more than 91 per cent of its beverages and spirits.
Russia is Armenia’s largest trading partner, accounting for more than 35 per cent of the country’s trade in 2025. In 2024, Armenia's exports to Russia amounted to $3.14 billion.
Moscow has however introduced a series of escalating restrictions on Armenian products throughout 2026, including mineral water, fruits and vegetables, fish, and dairy products, among other items.
The European Union has implied that Russia’s measures are in response to Yerevan developing closer relations with the bloc.
“No country should be pressured for a sovereign choice,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in July, announcing a $60 million (€52 million) package of support for the country, to help it with the economic impact of Russia’s restrictions.
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said in late August that the country would begin preparing to apply for EU membership.
The measures agreed by the European Council, the EU’s top political body, are expected to liberalise around 80 per cent of Armenia’s exports to the bloc.
The Irish government, which currently holds the European Council’s rotating presidency, said on Wednesday that the initiative showed that the EU would defend its partners.
“Europe stands with Armenia and its people, who have chosen a clear path for reform and closer cooperation with the European Union. Today's decision sends a clear message: when faced with economic coercion, the EU will respond,” Helen McEntee, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade of Ireland said.
The European Parliament is expected to approve the measures without amendment in September. The Council will then approve it and the regulation will be adopted.
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