EU offers €50 million aid to Armenia Russian export ban

The European Union is preparing an emergency support package exceeding 50 million euros for Armenia following new Russian restrictions on Armenian agricultural exports, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced Thursday. The announcement came after a phone call with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, as Armenia faces economic pressure from Moscow over its deepening ties with Western nations.

Von der Leyen characterized Russia's actions as economic coercion and accused Moscow of weaponizing economic relations for political pressure. Russia recently expanded restrictions on imports of several Armenian goods, including fresh tomatoes, fruit, flowers, grapes, cherries, and apricots. Russian authorities have stated the measures are linked to safety violations detected during seasonal inspections, a claim disputed by European and Armenian officials who view them as politically motivated.

The EU support package includes immediate financial assistance and practical measures to help Armenian producers redirect goods to European markets. Von der Leyen stated that a shipment of 10,000 Armenian flowers is expected to arrive in Latvia, with more EU countries...