The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, announced new support measures for Armenia, claiming the country is facing economic pressure from Russia.
Speaking after a phone call with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, von der Leyen criticized Moscow’s recent trade restrictions on Armenian products, describing them as “economic coercion.”
“By extending export restrictions on Armenian products, Moscow is weaponizing economic relations for political pressure,” von der Leyen said. “We know this playbook all too well. This is why Europe stands firmly with Armenia.”
She said the EU is preparing a support package that will include more than €50 million in immediate financial assistance, alongside measures aimed at facilitating trade for certain Armenian products, particularly agri-food goods.
The package will also include support for sectors affected by Russian restrictions, including Armenia’s flower industry. Von der Leyen noted that a shipment of 10,000 Armenian flowers is expected to arrive in Latvia on Friday, with additional deliveries planned.
The European Commission President said EU support provided under the Resilience & Growth Plan since 2024 has already helped 7,000 Armenian businesses and contributed to the creation of more than 20,000 jobs.
Von der Leyen also reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to implementing the Connectivity Partnership agreed with Armenia at the recent EU-Armenia Summit in Yerevan. She welcomed the reopening of regional trade routes involving Türkiye, including the railway connection through Georgia and Türkiye.
“Armenia has the potential to become a strategic hub connecting Europe, the South Caucasus and Central Asia,” she said.
The two leaders agreed to establish a joint EU-Armenia Task Force to coordinate the implementation of ongoing initiatives and future support measures.
Relations between Yerevan and Moscow have deteriorated noticeably in recent months. Russia has accused the government of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan of pursuing a pro-Western course, while Armenia has intensified contacts with the European Union.
Russian authorities have imposed restrictions on a number of Armenian products, including flowers, mineral water, vegetables, fruit and fish.
