EU Signals Stronger Support for Armenia

(Horizon Media / LUXEMBOURG) — The European Union is preparing additional measures to support Armenia as concerns grow over what EU officials describe as increasing Russian pressure on the country following its recent parliamentary elections.

Speaking ahead of a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Luxembourg, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas said the ministers would hold a working breakfast with Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan to discuss further assistance for Armenia.

“They have just held elections, and we have seen really increasing pressure from Russia to change their course,” Kallas said, adding that the EU is looking at what more it can do to help Armenia remain resilient and continue on its chosen path.

The discussions come as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced €50 million in immediate EU assistance for Armenia. Following a telephone conversation with Nikol Pashinyan, von der Leyen said the aid package is intended to help offset the impact of Russian trade restrictions, including a ban affecting Armenian flower exports. She noted that alternative export routes to Europe have already been established.

European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos also reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to Armenia, stating that Russia is intensifying efforts to steer the country away from “the democratic choice made by its people in the last elections.”

Kos said EU foreign ministers would discuss additional financial support and measures to facilitate Armenia’s trade with both neighbouring countries and the European market. She also announced that she will travel to Yerevan on July 5 to take concrete steps to strengthen EU-Armenia cooperation.

Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan is participating in the Luxembourg discussions within the framework of the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting.