ARMENPRESS: EU to provide additional support to Armenia amid Russian import restrictions

The EU will provide additional support to Armenia amid the Russian import ban targeting several Armenian products, Ambassador Vassilis Maragos, Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Armenia, has said.

Ambassador Maragos, speaking at a meeting with Armenian exporters, said that “important meetings and phone calls” are expected on June 4, after which additional support measures will be announced.

“Later today, important meetings will take place and there will be phone calls, including with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, after which we will announce specific additional measures regarding support for Armenia,” Maragos said.

Ambassador Maragos said that the purpose of the meeting with Armenian exporters and businesses is to hear their ideas on how the EU can support them so they can diversify their export markets.

Maragos highlighted that the European Union has implemented numerous support programs for Armenia’s private sector.

“The Armenian businesspeople are among the most successful not only here in Armenia, but also worldwide. This is truly a very important starting point, but now we want to hear your views on the current challenges. The main purpose of this meeting is to listen to your opinions and learn about your expectations. We are not here to replace the Government—let me emphasize that clearly. And we are not doing anything new, because we are continuing what we had already started together,” said the EU Ambassador to Armenia.

Russia has been imposing growing restrictions in recent weeks on the import of Armenian goods, ranging from flowers and certain fruits and vegetables to mineral water, fish, and alcoholic drinks, citing phytosanitary violations.

The Armenian government has rolled out relief programs for exporters to help them find new markets and avoid losses.