“Armenians have clearly expressed their desire to live in a democratic country where relations with Azerbaijan and Türkiye are normalised and cooperation with the European Union is strengthened. However, Russia is attempting to prevent Armenia from continuing on the path chosen by its people, including by imposing extensive trade restrictions on the country. In this situation, Estonia believes that the EU should seek ways to support Armenia,” Foreign Minister Tsahkna said.
Russia has been Armenia’s largest export market, but following the democratic elections held in Armenia on 7 June, Russia imposed extensive economic sanctions on the country, resulting in import restrictions on Armenian brandy, wine, mineral water and agricultural products.
The EU regulation introduces temporary trade liberalisation measures for Armenian products. Improving access to the EU market will help Armenia redirect trade flows, find new markets and reduce its dependence on the Russian market.
According to the Foreign Minister, decisive action by the EU sends a clear political signal that the EU stands by its partners.
“The measure is consistent with Estonia’s broader foreign policy objective of supporting Armenia’s sovereignty, resilience, European path and trade cooperation with the EU, while reducing Russia’s influence in the region,” the Foreign Minister said. “It is in Estonia’s interests to support Armenia’s closer ties with the EU and its freedom to make its own foreign and economic policy choices. Estonia has also recently contributed to diversifying Armenian exports and finding new markets, including by training businesses on how to enter new markets and supporting the organisation of a fair in Tallinn showcasing Armenian products.”
The EU regulation will apply for two years, and the safeguards and suspension mechanisms it contains will ensure that the measure is proportionate and does not create unjustified risks for the EU or Estonian market.
