Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have expressed their support for the temporary suspension of duties on a range of Armenian products, in light of Russia’s trade restrictions, which have constrained Armenia’s access to traditional export markets. The International Trade Committee has approved the European Commission’s proposal without amendments, with a vote tally of 35 in favour, 2 against, and 3 abstentions.
Since May 2026, Russia has enforced comprehensive trade restrictions on essential Armenian exports, including alcoholic beverages, mineral water, fruits, and vegetables. These measures have disrupted established supply chains and significantly limited Armenia’s access to traditional markets. Consequently, small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as agricultural producers, have faced considerable challenges, putting the country’s economic resilience and social stability at risk.
Should the proposal receive approval from the full Parliament and the Council, it would eliminate EU ad valorem duties (customs duties calculated as a percentage of a product’s value) on a broad array of Armenian goods and introduce duty-free quotas for eight agricultural products, such as grapes, apricots, cherries, peaches, and cucumbers. These provisions are intended to remain in effect for two years. They will also incorporate safeguards to protect the EU market from adverse effects on EU producers resulting from increased imports.
The Parliament is scheduled to vote on this proposal during its September session in Strasbourg. Following this vote, the Council’s endorsement of Parliament’s position will be necessary, and the regulation will take effect the day after its publication in the Official Journal of the EU.
