The EU plans to provide over €50 million in aid to Armenia and support for exports
The European Union is preparing a financial support package for Armenia worth over €50 million. Brussels also intends to facilitate the purchase of Armenian goods, the export of which had previously been blocked by Russia ahead of the country’s parliamentary elections.
“Today I spoke with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan regarding Russia’s recent restrictions targeting Armenia. This is nothing less than economic coercion, and it is unacceptable. By imposing export restrictions on Armenian products, Moscow is using economic relations as a weapon for political pressure. We know this approach all too well. That is why Europe stands firmly behind Armenia. “We are preparing an EU support package. It includes immediate financial assistance of over €50 million,” von der Leyen noted.
She added that European aid to Armenia also concerns imports of its products, which Russia has restricted based on dubious accusations.
According to her, Armenia has the potential to become a strategic hub connecting Europe, the South Caucasus, and Central Asia.
She made this statement on Thursday following a phone call with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.
Earlier, Russia recalled its ambassador from Armenia for consultations in Moscow amid reports of Yerevan’s rapprochement with the European Union. The Russian Foreign Ministry attributes this move to political differences between the countries. In fact, this is yet another sign of tension in relations between Moscow and Yerevan.
Rospotrebnadzor blocked the sale of a large shipment of the Armenian mineral water brand “Jermuk,” totaling 64.5 million bottles.
