The EU has pledged to continue supporting Armenia amid what it describes as growing Russian pressure, including trade restrictions on Armenian goods.

EU officials said Russia is using trade as a political tool ahead of elections and aims to harm Armenia’s economy.

“Armenia is a sovereign, democratic and independent country, having its right to choose its own path and partners,” the EU’s lead spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Anitta Hipper, said at a press briefing when asked by Armenpress’ Brussels correspondent about EU support measures for Armenia amid Russian import restrictions.

“We see, however, the attempts from Russia that are massively intensifying to put pressure on its [Armenia’s] people ahead of the election. So, Russia is now using trade as a political weapon and political pressure measure against the members of the Eurasian Economic Union. And the timing as such is not coincidence. So, this does not come as a surprise that Russia aims at hurting Armenia’s economy at this critical time. So, EU on our side is a trusted and reliable partner, and we will continue supporting Armenia on all issues of importance to its people,” Hipper said.

European Commission Deputy Chief Spokesperson Olof Gill, in turn, referred to the recent phone call between Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, after which the EU announced immediate financial assistance worth over €50 million, in addition to other measures.

Russia has imposed 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 alleged phytosanitary violations. This has prompted Armenian exporters to search for new markets, including in the EU.