- EU Council endorsed liberalisation of around 80% of Armenian exports to the EU for two years.
- Measures respond to Russian trade restrictions that have disrupted Armenian export and transit routes.
- EU and Armenia adopted a new Strategic Agenda covering democracy, security, trade and connectivity.
- European Parliament expected to adopt the proposal without amendments at the September plenary.
- Conditions include rules of origin, administrative cooperation and respect for essential CEPA elements.
The EU Council has approved a temporary trade-liberalisation measure that will suspend import duties on a broad range of Armenian goods, covering approximately 80 per cent of Armenia's exports to the European Union. The measures will apply for two years from the regulation's entry into force and constitute a direct response to trade restrictions recently imposed by Russia on the Armenian market.
The regulation was endorsed by the Council without any amendments to the Commission's proposal, clearing the way for swift adoption, as the European Parliament is also expected to approve the text without changes.
Background: Russian restrictions hit Armenian exports
Russia's trade restrictions have disrupted Armenian export flows and transit routes. The new EU regulation covers the suspension of import duties on a wide range of Armenian products, including selected agricultural products subject to tariff-rate quotas. The measures cover almost 99 per cent of Armenia's exports of fresh fruit, vegetables and plants to Russia, and more than 91 per cent of beverages and spirits.
The measures are designed in line with the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the EU and Armenia.
Strategic Agenda for the EU-Armenia Partnership
At the same time, the EU-Armenia Partnership Council adopted a new Strategic Agenda for the EU-Armenia Partnership, replacing the Partnership Priorities of 2017. The document covers a wide spectrum of cooperation areas:
- Democracy and rule of law
- Justice reform and human rights
- Socio-economic development and trade diversification
- Energy security and digital transformation
- Security, crisis management, hybrid threats and cyber resilience
Connectivity is highlighted as a central pillar of the Agenda, with joint efforts to enhance transport, digital and energy links between Armenia, the region and the EU. The Agenda emphasises strategic investments under the Global Gateway programme and support for initiatives such as the "Crossroads of Peace" to improve regional interconnections.
The Agenda sets out both short-term (3-4 years) and medium-term (7 years) priorities and reaffirms the EU's commitment to supporting Armenia's reform agenda through technical and financial assistance under the Resilience and Growth Plan.
Conditions and safeguard mechanisms
The preferential trade arrangements are conditional on Armenia:
- Complying with applicable rules of origin
- Engaging in administrative cooperation with the EU
- Refraining from introducing new trade restrictions on EU imports
- Respecting the essential elements of the CEPA, including democratic principles, the rule of law and human rights
The regulation also includes safeguard measures that will be triggered if imports adversely affect EU producers.
Next steps
The European Parliament is expected to adopt its position without amendments during its September plenary session. The Council will then approve the regulation, which will enter into force on the day following its publication in the Official Journal of the EU.
"Europe stands with Armenia and its people, who have chosen a clear path for reform and closer cooperation with the European Union. Today's decision sends a clear message: when faced with economic coercion, the EU will respond. We will create new opportunities and stand with our partners."
Helen McEntee, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade of Ireland
Sources: Commission proposal, EU law tracker, EU-Armenia relations, CEPA Agreement, Strategic Agenda (PDF), EU-Armenia Summit 4-5 May 2026.