The European Union is preparing a support package for Armenia that includes more than €50 million ($58.1 million) in immediate financial assistance after Russia imposed trade restrictions on the country, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on 4 June.
The announcement comes amid growing tensions between Moscow and Yerevan as Armenia deepens ties with the European Union and Western partners. Relations between the two countries have deteriorated in recent years, with Armenian leaders accusing Russia of failing to uphold its security commitments and increasingly pursuing a more independent foreign policy.
EU condemns Russian pressure
"Today I spoke with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan about Russia's recent restrictions targeting Armenia. This is nothing short of economic coercion, and it is unacceptable," von der Leyen said.
She said Moscow was "weaponising economic relations for political pressure" by extending export restrictions on Armenian products.
"We know this playbook all too well," von der Leyen said. "This is why Europe stands firmly with Armenia. We are preparing an EU support package."
Von der Leyen said the package would include more than €50 million in immediate financial assistance, measures to facilitate exports of some Armenian products to EU markets, and support for sectors affected by Russian restrictions.
She specifically cited Armenia's flower industry, saying Russia had recently restricted Armenian flower imports over what she described as questionable allegations. A shipment of 10,000 Armenian flowers is expected to arrive in Latvia on 5 June, with additional deliveries planned.
Armenia's westward shift strains ties with Moscow
The EU move follows a series of increasingly sharp warnings from the Kremlin over Armenia's growing engagement with Western institutions.
Speaking after a Eurasian Economic Union summit in Astana on 29 May, Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that Armenia could face a "Ukrainian scenario" because of its aspirations for closer integration with the European Union.
Putin claimed that the war in Ukraine began with Kyiv's efforts to join the EU, while urging Armenia to clarify whether it intends to remain aligned with the Russian-led Eurasian Economic Union or pursue a European path.
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has rejected calls for such a choice, arguing that Armenia's foreign policy is not directed against Russia.
Growing Western support for Armenia
Von der Leyen also reiterated EU backing for a recently agreed EU-Armenia Connectivity Partnership, saying Armenia has the potential to become a strategic hub linking Europe, the South Caucasus, and Central Asia.
She said the EU was prepared to support infrastructure projects and border-crossing facilities as regional transport links reopen.
The latest EU announcement comes as the United States has also expanded cooperation with Armenia.
In late May, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Yerevan and signed several agreements with Armenian officials, including a strategic partnership charter and frameworks covering critical minerals and regional transport infrastructure.
The measures reflect a broader Western effort to strengthen ties with Armenia as the country seeks to reduce its dependence on Russia and diversify its political and economic partnerships.
