The EU Will Exempt 80% of Armenian Exports from Tariffs: What Are the Arguments?
2 July 20:46
The European Union is eliminating tariffs on 80% of goods exported from Armenia. This was announced by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen after a meeting in Yerevan with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on Thursday, July 2. European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos also attended the meeting. This was reported by "Komersant Ukrainian", citing DW.
According to von der Leyen, the results of the recent parliamentary elections in Armenia “demonstrated the strength of democracy” in the country.
“The Armenian people have chosen reforms and a closer partnership with the EU,” she said.
“No country should be pressured for its sovereign choice,” Ursula von der Leyen continued. “That is why the EU is providing Yerevan with 52 million euros in support and offering duty-free access to the EU market for 80% of Armenian exports. Armenia can count on us.”
Goods from sectors subject to Russian restrictions will also be exempt from customs duties. In particular, the EU’s concessions will apply to 99% of Armenian fresh fruits and more than 91% of beverages and alcoholic products.
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EU Financial Assistance to Armenia
The European Union’s allocation of 52 million euros to Armenia was announced in early June. Within two weeks of that announcement, the EU transferred 34 million euros to Yerevan. The remaining 18 million euros is expected to be disbursed in the near future. As a result, the total amount of EU financial assistance to Armenia will amount to 288 million euros.
According to the European Commission, “Armenia has proven itself to be a bastion of stability and democratic resilience in the South Caucasus region.” “In this context, the EU welcomes the historic progress toward peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan, as well as the ongoing normalization of relations with Turkey,” the European Commission stated.
It is noted that the EU intends to support projects in the fields of transport, energy, and digital communications, “which will help realize the economic benefits of long-term peace in the region and promote cooperation among its peoples.” “This commitment is underpinned by the recent launch of the interregional ‘Connectivity Platform’ and the EU’s ‘Connectivity for Peace’ package worth 200 million euros, aimed at communications development projects in the South Caucasus with the potential to attract up to 2 billion euros in public and private investment,” the European Commission emphasized.
Von der Leyen also announced the allocation of 20 million euros from the EU budget for the development of local communities in Armenia and Azerbaijan as part of the “Dividends of Peace” program. The funds are to be invested in healthcare, demining, vocational training, and support for local businesses.
The Results of the Parliamentary Elections in Armenia and the “Divorce” from Russia
According to the final results of the parliamentary elections in Armenia, only three political forces made it into the country’s parliament: Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s “Civic Contract” party, as well as two pro-Russian parties—“Strong Armenia” and the “Armenia” bloc.”
On the eve of the election, the EU accused Russia of attempting to interfere in the Armenian elections, and in Armenia itself, treason cases were opened against pro-Russian politicians.
Earlier, on May 5, the first-ever EU–Armenia summit took place in the Armenian capital. Following this, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin offered Armenia an “amicable divorce,” which was perceived in Yerevan as an ultimatum.
In recent weeks, Russia has imposed a series of restrictive measures on Armenian exports. The restrictions apply, in particular, to stone fruits and grapes, fish, flowers, mineral water, cognac, wines, and certain other goods. Armenian authorities and observers have linked Moscow’s actions not only to sanitary concerns but also to a sharp deterioration in relations amid Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s push for closer ties with the EU and the U.S.
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