European Parliament Approves Trade Relief for Armenian Exports

The European Parliament approved temporary Autonomous Trade Measures for Armenian products with a vote of 583 in favor, 49 against, and 39 abstentions. The initiative suspends customs duties on approximately 80% of Armenian exports to the European Union for two years and establishes duty-free import quotas for eight agricultural products, including grapes, apricots, and cucumbers.

These measures respond to trade restrictions imposed by the Federal Government of Russia since May 2026 on Armenian produce, mineral water, and alcoholic beverages. The EU initiative aims to stabilize Armenian supply chains disrupted by those restrictions. The regulation takes effect the day after its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

To maintain these preferences, the Government of Armenia must comply with EU rules of origin, cooperate administratively, and avoid new trade restrictions on EU goods. Armenia is also required to respect the principles of the EU-Armenia Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement, specifically regarding the rule of law and human rights. The European Union included safeguard mechanisms within the regulation to protect European producers from potential import surges.