The Council of the European Union has approved temporary trade-liberalization measures designed to expand access for Armenian goods to the EU market and support Armenia following recent Russian trade restrictions.

The measures will remove import duties on around 80% of Armenian exports to the EU, with the preferential regime set to remain in effect for two years from the regulation’s entry into force. The package covers a broad range of goods, including selected agricultural products subject to tariff-rate quotas.

According to the Council, the arrangement would provide duty-free or preferential access for almost 99% of Armenia’s fresh fruit, vegetables and plant exports currently directed to Russia, as well as more than 91% of its beverages and spirits exports.

The proposal was approved by the Council without changes following the European Commission’s initiative. The European Parliament is expected to adopt the measure without amendments during its September plenary session, after which the Council will formally approve the regulation. It will enter into force the day after its publication in the Official Journal of the EU.

The preferential arrangements will not be unconditional. Armenian exporters will have to comply with EU rules of origin and administrative cooperation requirements, while Armenia will be expected not to introduce new restrictions on EU imports and to respect the key provisions of the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement, including commitments concerning democratic principles, the rule of law and human rights.

The regulation will further include safeguard provisions allowing the EU to respond if increased Armenian imports cause serious difficulties for European producers. The measures are intended not only to provide Armenian exporters with wider access to the European market but also to strengthen trade relations between Armenia and the EU under the existing CEPA framework.

The decision comes as Armenian authorities work to diversify export markets following restrictions imposed by Russia on a range of Armenian products. The new EU arrangement would give exporters greater access to European consumers, particularly in agricultural and beverage sectors that have traditionally relied heavily on the Russian market.