EU declines to set timeline for Armenian produce to reach its markets

The European Commission has declined to say whether Armenian fruit and vegetables will reach store shelves across the European Union by the end of the year.

Asked directly about the issue during its daily press briefing, European Commission chief spokesperson Paula Pinho did not provide a timeline but highlighted the EU’s broader support for Armenia, Caliber.Az reports per local media. 

Pinho said planned autonomous trade measures could lead to increased imports from Armenia in the near future, but stopped short of predicting when Armenian agricultural products would become widely available on EU markets.

She cited the EU’s response after Russia abruptly halted imports of Armenian flowers, a major export for Armenia.

"As an urgent measure, as soon as Russia suddenly stopped importing flowers - which was a major market for Armenia - the EU stepped in and effectively compensated for those losses," Pinho said.

She added that the move marked the beginning of what the European Commission expects will lead to expanded trade between the EU and Armenia.

By Sabina Mammadli