EU Council backs temporary trade measures to support Armenia

(Horizon Media / BRUSSELS) — The Council of the European Union has backed temporary trade liberalization measures for Armenia, aimed at easing the impact of recent Russian restrictions on Armenian exports.

Under the proposed measures, around 80 percent of Armenian exports to the European Union would benefit from trade liberalization. Import duties would be temporarily suspended on a broad range of Armenian goods, including agricultural products.

The measures would cover nearly 99 percent of Armenia’s exports of fresh fruit, vegetables and plants to the EU, as well as more than 91 percent of beverage exports, including alcoholic drinks. The preferential regime would remain in force for two years after taking effect.

The Council approved the European Commission’s proposal without amendments, clearing the way for its rapid adoption if the European Parliament also endorses it unchanged during its September plenary session.

According to the Council, the measures are intended both to support Armenia following Russian trade restrictions and to deepen EU-Armenia economic ties under the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

The preferential treatment remains conditional on Armenia complying with existing rules of origin, maintaining administrative cooperation with the EU, avoiding new trade restrictions on European imports and respecting CEPA’s core principles, including democracy, the rule of law and human rights.

Russia has gradually imposed restrictions on a range of Armenian products since May, including agricultural goods, fish, beverages, dairy products and flowers.

If approved by the European Parliament, the regulation will enter into force the day after its publication in the EU’s Official Journal.