ArmInfo. The European Parliament, with 583 votes in favor, 49 against, and 39 abstentions, approved temporary trade liberalization measures applicable to Armenian-made products (Autonomous Trade Measures). This was announced by Armenia's Ambassador to Belgium and Permanent Representative of the Republic to the EU, Tigran Balayan.
"True to its principles and unwavering in its position, the temple of European democracy – the European Parliament – approved the European Commission's proposal to provide ATMs for products manufactured in Armenia." "Another significant step in the development of the partnership between Armenia and the EU," Balayan wrote on Twitter (X), sharing a photo of the parliamentarians' vote.
On September 2, the EU Council decided to introduce temporary measures to liberalize trade in Armenian products to support the Armenian economy following recent trade restrictions imposed by Russia. These measures envisage liberalization for approximately 80% of Armenian exports to the EU. This preferential agreement is subject to certain conditions and includes safeguard measures to protect the EU market in the event that imports have a negative impact on EU producers. This decision introduces a temporary suspension of import duties on a wide range of Armenian products, including certain agricultural products subject to tariff quotas. The measures will be in effect for two years from the date of entry into force and will cover almost 99% of Armenia's exports of fresh fruits, vegetables, and plants to Russia and over 91% of beverages and alcoholic beverages. The proposed regulation aims to support Armenia after trade restrictions imposed by Russia disrupted Armenian exports and transit routes. It also aims to strengthen trade relations between the EU and Armenia in accordance with the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
Preferential agreements remain conditional on Armenia's compliance with existing rules of origin, participation in administrative cooperation with the EU, refraining from introducing new trade restrictions on EU imports, and respect for the core elements of the CEPA, including democratic principles, the rule of law, and human rights.
