EU pledges €18 million aid and tariff‑free access for 80% of Armenian exports

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen visited Yerevan on 2 July 2026 and announced an extra €18 million in economic support for Armenia, completing a €52 million package announced earlier in June. She said the EU would remove tariffs on nearly 80 % of Armenian goods bound for the bloc, giving Armenian producers access to the EU’s market of about 450 million consumers. "I know Armenia is still facing significant economic pressure from Russia," von der Leyen said, adding "you can count on us." The measures are intended to offset Russian trade restrictions that have hit fresh produce, flowers, fish and alcoholic drinks.

The visit also included a stop in Baku, where von der Leyen announced up to €200 million in grant funding for transport, energy and digital connectivity across the South Caucasus, plus a €20 million peace‑building programme. The EU highlighted Azerbaijan’s role as a reliable gas supplier, noting that Azerbaijani gas now reaches 10 EU member states through the Southern Gas Corridor. Together, the initiatives aim to diversify the region’s trade away from Russia, strengthen regional stability and support the ongoing peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan.