EU Opens Market to 80% of Armenian Exports, Announces €52 Million Support
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos met with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in Yerevan today, reaffirming the European Union's commitment to strengthening its partnership with Armenia through increased financial support, expanded trade opportunities, and investment in regional peace and connectivity.
The visit comes in the wake of Armenia's recent general elections, which EU leaders said demonstrated the country's democratic resilience and its commitment to continuing reforms and closer integration with the European Union.
During the meeting, President von der Leyen announced a €52 million financial support package for Armenia alongside plans to grant tariff-free access for approximately 80% of Armenian exports to the EU market. The temporary Autonomous Trade Measures are intended to help Armenian businesses diversify exports, particularly following recent Russian trade restrictions affecting Armenian products.
"No country should be pressured for a sovereign choice," von der Leyen said. "The Armenian people have chosen reform and a closer partnership with our Union. Armenia can count on us."
The proposed trade measures, which still require approval by the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union, would liberalise around 80% of Armenian exports to the EU. The initiative is expected to benefit sectors heavily dependent on the Russian market, covering nearly 99% of Armenia's exports of fresh fruit, vegetables and plants to Russia, as well as more than 91% of its beverage and spirits exports.
To accelerate market diversification, the European Commission will send trade experts to Armenia by mid-July to work directly with local producers and exporters. The experts will help businesses meet EU standards, identify new market opportunities, strengthen export capacity, and improve access to the EU Single Market.
The European Union also reaffirmed its support for lasting peace in the South Caucasus, welcoming recent progress in peace negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, as well as the continued normalisation of relations between Armenia and Türkiye.
Brussels said it would continue investing in transport, energy, and digital connectivity projects across the region as part of its broader Connectivity for Peace initiative. The programme includes up to €200 million in connectivity projects, with the potential to mobilise as much as €2 billion in public and private investment.
In addition, the EU announced €20 million in Peace Dividends to support local communities in both Armenia and Azerbaijan. The funding will finance healthcare, demining, skills development, and support for local businesses, aiming to strengthen resilience and deliver tangible economic benefits from regional peace.
The EU also confirmed that, following von der Leyen's announcement of the €52 million support package in early June, €34 million has already been disbursed, with the remaining €18 million expected shortly. Once completed, total EU financial assistance to Armenia will reach €288 million.
The funding is designed to strengthen Armenia's export capacity, improve infrastructure, protect geographical indications, and facilitate greater access to EU markets. The package will also be accompanied by targeted technical assistance identified through the Joint EU–Armenia Task Force.
