Moscow Closes Market, Brussels Opens Wallets: EU Allocates €34 Million to Armenia

The European Commission has provided Armenia with €34 million in financial support. The funds are intended to offset the negative impact of Russian trade sanctions on private businesses.

This amount is only the initial part of a more comprehensive support program announced by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The program also includes simplified customs procedures and other measures aimed at increasing Armenia's economic stability.

The new initiatives are expected to affect a significant portion of Armenian products subject to Russian export restrictions, an estimated annual value of approximately €420 million.

Previously, tensions between Yerevan and Moscow were reported to have sharply worsened. Russia is questioning the pro-Western course chosen by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. In response to Armenia's desire for closer ties with Europe, Russia has begun restricting imports of Armenian products, including flowers, mineral water, vegetables, fruits, and fish.

According to an annual survey conducted by the EUNEIGHBOURS East program, the majority of Armenian citizens (54%) support joining the European Union. This figure has increased by 9 percentage points compared to the 2025 target. Twenty-three percent of respondents were against joining, while 16% were neutral or undecided (7%). Sixty-three percent of Armenians believe that EU membership would bring more benefits to the country than potential drawbacks.

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