ArmInfo. The European Union is developing emergency trade assistance measures and autonomous trade measures to reduce tariffs on Armenian food and agricultural exports, the Financial Times reports.
According to the source, this accelerated support is Brussels' response to the extensive import bans and transit restrictions imposed by Moscow on Armenian goods. The European Commission has already announced an immediate financial assistance package of over €50 million. The EU is also developing autonomous trade measures covering approximately 20 product categories, worth a total of approximately €420 million per year, to facilitate market access for Armenian agricultural products.
EU countries such as the Netherlands, Poland, and Latvia are helping Armenian exporters reorient themselves to European markets to offset Russian restrictions on agricultural products, fish, and alcoholic beverages. To coordinate these efforts and ensure the uninterrupted flow of goods, a joint EU-Armenia task force has been established. This initiative must be approved by a majority of EU member states and the European Parliament.
At the same time, the report notes, certain types of Armenian exports pose challenges for European producers. This primarily concerns cognac, which is one of Armenia's main exports, but its importance to France is also considered. Furthermore, transporting perishable goods also poses challenges, as Armenia is landlocked and shipments must be made via Turkey or Georgia.
Since June 12, Rosselkhoznadzor, citing phytosanitary and regulatory violations, has imposed strict restrictions on Armenian goods. The bans affect fruits, vegetables, flowers and Jermuk mineral water. European officials and market observers view the bans as economic coercion aimed at putting "pressure on Armenia's pro-Western government."
