European Commission promises Armenia, facing Russian "economic pressure," 50 million euros in financial aid

The European Commission has promised Armenia, which is facing Russian "economic pressure," financial aid of 50 million euros

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that the EU is preparing support measures for Armenia, which is facing "economic pressure" from Russia. Among those measures is financial assistance totaling more than 50 million euros.

"By expanding export restrictions on Armenian goods, Moscow is using economic relations as a weapon for political pressure. We know this scenario all too well. That is why Europe stands firmly with Armenia," von der Leyen said after a phone call with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.

The European Union also plans to simplify access to the European market for some Armenian goods, including agricultural products.

Over the past several weeks, Russia has banned the import of a number of goods from Armenia, including flowers, Jermuk mineral water, vegetables, herbs, peaches, strawberries, fish, potatoes, eggplants, apples, and dried fruits.

The bans are being introduced against the backdrop of preparations for Armenia's parliamentary elections, which will take place on June 7, and Yerevan's growing closeness with Western countries and the European Union.

@meduzalive