Financial Times: EU prepares urgent trade support for Armenia after Russia bans

The European Union (EU) is coming to the rescue after Russia restricted food and flower imports from its former ally, Armenia, in response to its policy of rapprochement with the West, the Financial Times reports.

The EU is preparing urgent trade support measures for Armenia, aiming to mitigate the consequences of Russian restrictions. This comes against the backdrop of an ongoing competition between Brussels and Moscow for influence over the future of Armenia.

According to four sources close to the plans, the European Commission of the EU is developing so-called autonomous trade measures that would reduce EU customs duties on Armenian food and agricultural products. The initiative is a response to the bans imposed by Russia before the recent parliamentary elections in Armenia. Brussels believes that these actions are aimed at putting pressure on the country's pro-Western government.

The measures will need the approval of a majority of EU member states and the European Parliament to take effect. They will cover most of the 20 or so Armenian product groups currently subject to Russian restrictions, two sources said. The total value of these goods is estimated at around 420 million euros annually. Brussels is also concerned that Moscow could step up trade pressure on Yerevan.

Two other sources said the proposals could be formally submitted in the coming weeks.

EU foreign ministers discussed the issue with Armenia’s foreign minister in Luxembourg on Monday. Also, European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos is due to visit Armenia early next month.

According to two officials, Armenian brandy poses certain difficulties in developing support measures. It is one of Armenia’s main exports, but the importance of brandy production for France must also be taken into account.

An additional problem remains logistics: for landlocked Armenia, it is very difficult to transport perishable goods through the territory of Turkey or Georgia.