EU Lifts Tariffs on 80% of Armenian Goods
The Council of the European Union agreed on temporary measures to liberalize trade with Armenia. This is reported on the website of the European Council.
Consensus
- The European Union approved temporary tariff exemptions for approximately 80% of Armenian exports.
- The measures are valid for two years.
- The exemptions aim to support Armenia's economy after trade restrictions imposed by Russia.
- Armenia must maintain market access for European goods.
- Armenia must comply with rules on product origin and administrative cooperation with the EU.
- The measures cover nearly 99% of Armenian exports of fresh fruits, vegetables, and plants previously sent to Russia.
- The measures cover more than 91% of Armenian exports of beverages and alcoholic drinks.
- The European Parliament is expected to approve the measures in September.
- The regulation will enter into force the day after its publication in the Official Journal of the EU.
- The EU may apply protective measures if Armenian imports negatively affect EU producers.
Points of divergence
- The EU explicitly stated that the measure is part of a confrontation with Russia and directly demanded the absence of restrictions on EU exports to Armenia. — vesti
- Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin denied that Russia imposed sanctions on Armenian agricultural products, calling such claims manipulations, and emphasized that restrictions were due to violations of phytosanitary norms. — vedomosti
- Armenia must not allow price competition with EU producers and must respect protected geographical indications, meaning Armenian brandy cannot be sold in the EU. — vesti
- The EU stated it supports Armenia's choice to pursue reforms and closer cooperation with the EU, framing the move as solidarity with Armenia's sovereign decision. — interfax
- Russia's restrictions on Armenian goods began at the end of May and were due to violations of phytosanitary standards. — vedomosti
Coverage (7 sources)
- Council of the EU approved the cancellation of tariffs on 80% of goods from Armenia — Коммерсантъ
- EU will not impose tariffs on most goods from Armenia — DW Главное
- European Union may suspend tariffs on most goods from Armenia — Ведомости
- EU demanded access to its market from Armenia — Вести
- EU demands opening of Armenia market in exchange for trade concessions — Вести
- Council of the EU agreed on temporary measures for trade liberalization with Armenia — Настоящее Время
- EU decided to introduce temporary measures for liberalization of Armenian products trade — Интерфакс