EU Council supported the abolition of duties on approximately 80% of Armenia's exports to the EU
02.09.2026,
15:57
The EU Council supported the European Commission's proposal to temporarily liberalize trade with Armenia.
YEREVAN, September 2. /ARKA/. The EU Council supported the European Commission's proposal to temporarily liberalize trade with Armenia. The measures are intended to support the Armenian economy following Russia's recently imposed trade restrictions, which disrupted Armenian exports and transit routes, according to the EU Council website.
The proposed measures envisage liberalization of approximately 80% of Armenian exports to the EU. The preferential treatment will be subject to certain conditions and will include safeguards for the EU market in the event that imports negatively impact European producers.
The Council approved the Commission's proposal without amendments, paving the way for the swift adoption of the relevant regulation after the European Parliament is expected to also approve the proposal without amendments.
"Europe stands with Armenia and its people, who have chosen a clear course for reform and closer cooperation with the European Union," said Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Helen McEntee.
"Today's decision sends a clear signal: when faced with economic coercion, the EU will respond. We will create new opportunities and support our partners," she noted.
The draft regulation provides for the temporary waiver of import duties on a wide range of Armenian goods, including certain agricultural products subject to tariff quotas.
The measures will be in effect for two years from the date the regulation comes into force. They will cover almost 99% of Armenia's exports of fresh fruit, vegetables, and plants to Russia, as well as over 91% of beverage and spirit exports.
The regulation also aims to strengthen trade relations between the EU and Armenia in line with the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
The preferential trade regime will apply provided that Armenia complies with applicable rules of origin, cooperates with the EU administratively, does not impose new trade restrictions on imports from the EU, and adheres to key provisions of the CEPA, including democratic principles, the rule of law, and human rights.
The European Parliament is expected to adopt its position without amendments during its September plenary session. Following the formal adoption of this position, the EU Council will endorse it, after which the regulation will be adopted and enter into force the day after its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.
Restrictions on the import of Armenian products to Russia
Since the end of May, Russia has been gradually introducing restrictions on the import of certain products from Armenia, citing violations of phytosanitary requirements. The restrictions apply to flowers, mineral water, certain beverages and alcoholic beverages, vegetables, fruits, berries, grapes, potatoes, dried fruits, and later, live fish and fish products, as well as dairy products.
The restrictions also include a ban on the transit of products of Armenian origin through Russian territory to other EAEU countries.
The proposed measures envisage liberalization of approximately 80% of Armenian exports to the EU. The preferential treatment will be subject to certain conditions and will include safeguards for the EU market in the event that imports negatively impact European producers.
The Council approved the Commission's proposal without amendments, paving the way for the swift adoption of the relevant regulation after the European Parliament is expected to also approve the proposal without amendments.
"Europe stands with Armenia and its people, who have chosen a clear course for reform and closer cooperation with the European Union," said Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Helen McEntee.
"Today's decision sends a clear signal: when faced with economic coercion, the EU will respond. We will create new opportunities and support our partners," she noted.
The draft regulation provides for the temporary waiver of import duties on a wide range of Armenian goods, including certain agricultural products subject to tariff quotas.
The measures will be in effect for two years from the date the regulation comes into force. They will cover almost 99% of Armenia's exports of fresh fruit, vegetables, and plants to Russia, as well as over 91% of beverage and spirit exports.
The regulation also aims to strengthen trade relations between the EU and Armenia in line with the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
The preferential trade regime will apply provided that Armenia complies with applicable rules of origin, cooperates with the EU administratively, does not impose new trade restrictions on imports from the EU, and adheres to key provisions of the CEPA, including democratic principles, the rule of law, and human rights.
The European Parliament is expected to adopt its position without amendments during its September plenary session. Following the formal adoption of this position, the EU Council will endorse it, after which the regulation will be adopted and enter into force the day after its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.
Restrictions on the import of Armenian products to Russia
Since the end of May, Russia has been gradually introducing restrictions on the import of certain products from Armenia, citing violations of phytosanitary requirements. The restrictions apply to flowers, mineral water, certain beverages and alcoholic beverages, vegetables, fruits, berries, grapes, potatoes, dried fruits, and later, live fish and fish products, as well as dairy products.
The restrictions also include a ban on the transit of products of Armenian origin through Russian territory to other EAEU countries.
