PM: Armenia to deepen EAEU ties while expanding into EU markets

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to maintaining active engagement within the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) while pursuing a broader strategy of diversifying the country’s export markets.

Speaking in parliament, Pashinyan said Armenia is making progress in expanding access to European markets and expects further opportunities in the near future, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

“There is a clear political commitment that Armenia’s agricultural products will be exported to the European Union without customs duties. This will become a reality in the near future. It is important that we have already gained access to the rose market in the Netherlands,” he said. 

At the same time, the prime minister stressed that Armenia would continue its work within the EAEU framework.

“Armenia faces active work in the EAEU, and we will carry out this work. At the same time, we will study the processes taking place during this period,” Pashinyan said.

He also revealed that Armenia has reached an agreement with the European Union on emergency assistance worth €50 million, which could be used to address challenges facing Armenian exporters.

“We have already reached an agreement with the European Union on emergency assistance worth €50 million, which we will use in cases where we see unjustified obstacles being created for our exports,” he stated.

Pashinyan emphasized that the government would continue pursuing a policy aimed at reducing dependence on any single market.

“Our policy will continue to focus on diversifying export markets,” he added.

His remarks come amid a series of restrictions imposed by Russia’s Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Supervision (Rosselkhoznadzor) on Armenian agricultural exports.

Beginning on May 22, Russia banned imports of flowers from Armenia. Additional temporary restrictions on fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, leafy greens, and strawberries took effect on May 30.

Further measures introduced on June 2 halted imports of stone fruits, including cherries, sweet cherries, apricots, plums, peaches, nectarines, and fresh grapes. On June 3, Russia also restricted imports of pome fruits, eggplants, potatoes, and dried fruits from Armenia.

In addition, Rosselkhoznadzor instructed Armenia from June 2 to suspend certification of live fish and fish products intended for export to the Russian market.

By Vafa Guliyeva