The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, announced that the EU will apply autonomous trade measures (ATMs) to support Armenia and mitigate Russian sanctions. This means that around 80% of Armenia's exports to EU countries will be exempt from tariffs.
"The European market will be open for 99% of Armenian fresh agricultural products that were previously exported to Russia," she stated.
EU Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, noted that Armenian apricots could help Armenian farmers, and the new EU decisions still need to be officially adopted.
From Initiative to Law
The process of adopting such laws in the EU can take months, but in this case, a simplified procedure is expected.
If no political group raises objections by July 30, the project may be adopted quickly.
Realistic Timelines
If everything goes according to plan, the application of autonomous trade measures could come into effect in the fall of 2026.
The cancellation of tariffs does not mean the cancellation of quality standards, and Armenian agricultural products must comply with strict phytosanitary regulations of the EU.
