EU plans tariff-free access for most Armenian exports

PanARMENIAN.Net - About 80% of Armenia's exports could become tariff-free on the European Union market, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said at a joint press conference with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in Yerevan.

She also said the measures would open the EU single market to Armenian beverages and spirits, according to Factor.am .

"I am here today to tell you that you can count on us. When Armenia moves closer to the European Union, the South Caucasus moves closer as well. Last year's initialling of the peace agreement was a historic event and one of the most important steps the region has taken in decades.

The same applies to the ongoing normalization of relations with Turkey. These decisions required political courage and leadership, and I know their benefits will be remarkable. Open borders will transform Armenia's economic future and place the country at the heart of one of the world's most strategically important crossroads.

Together, we are ready to turn this vision into reality. That is why I announced a new €200 million Global Gateway package dedicated to building peace through connectivity. Together with our financial partners, we are prepared to mobilize up to €2 billion for strategic transport links, energy infrastructure and digital projects across the South Caucasus.

This funding can support projects already underway or in preparation in Armenia, including border crossings and road infrastructure. We are building real physical infrastructure that supports peace," von der Leyen said.

She added that she had also announced a €20 million peace-support program aimed at benefiting communities located along border areas.

"We want to improve living conditions in border communities while creating new opportunities for dialogue between them. This package will allow local communities to experience the tangible benefits of peace so that peace becomes firmly rooted in the hearts and minds of this generation and the next.

Turning to your country's situation, I know Armenia continues to face significant economic pressure from Russia. But rest assured: when pressure builds on our partners, the European Union steps forward. I have several announcements to make.

First, Armenia will soon receive an additional €18 million to strengthen and diversify its trade. The funding could, for example, help establish an export promotion agency to enhance the export capacity of Armenian businesses. This €18 million is the final installment of the €52 million assistance package we discussed during our phone call at the beginning of June.

Second, we are proposing autonomous trade measures. These measures will liberalize approximately 80% of Armenia's exports to the European Union. This means that around 80% of your exports to our market will no longer be subject to customs duties.

This will allow products currently destined primarily for the Russian market to be redirected to the EU's single market of 450 million consumers.

The measures will open Europe's market to Armenia's fresh agricultural produce, vegetables, fruit and plant-based products that have previously been exported to Russia, while also opening the EU single market to Armenian beverages and spirits.

In recent months, we have already seen increasing imports of Armenian flowers into our market. This is a beautiful symbol of a new chapter in our economic partnership. This is only the beginning. These new measures will give us the tools to diversify—and to do so quickly," von der Leyen said.

She added that EU experts will travel to Armenia in mid-July to work with producers, businesses and exporters, helping them make full use of the opportunities offered by the country's privileged partnership with the European Union.

At the conclusion of the joint press conference, Nikol Pashinyan and Ursula von der Leyen also answered questions from journalists.