The Council of the European Union has published a proposal for a regulation introducing temporary trade-liberalisation measures for Armenian products, in response to Russian trade restrictions imposed in May-June 2026. The proposal, dated 2 July 2026, aims to support Armenia's economy by suspending ad valorem duties on selected products and removing duties on eight agricultural items within tariff rate quotas, for a two-year period.
The measures suspend ad valorem duties under the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus for certain Armenian products, excluding sensitive items and including agricultural goods banned by Russia. Eight agricultural products will also see duties removed within applicable tariff rate quotas. Conditions for entitlement include compliance with rules of origin, administrative cooperation, abstention from new trade restrictions on EU imports, and respect for democratic principles and human rights. The Commission may temporarily suspend preferences if Armenia fails to meet these conditions, via implementing acts adopted under the examination procedure. Safeguard measures allow reimposition of duties if imports cause serious difficulties for EU producers, with provisional measures in critical circumstances.
The expected loss in EU customs revenue is less than EUR 3 million per year. The proposal provides swift support to Armenian producers and exporters, especially SMEs and agricultural sectors affected by Russian restrictions, helping reorient trade flows away from constrained markets and enhancing economic resilience. It aligns with the EU-Armenia Partnership Agreement and Strategic Agenda, reinforcing trade diversification and cooperation. Close administrative cooperation will be needed to prevent fraud and ensure compliance with origin rules.
No prior coverage of this file exists in the last 180 days. The proposal will now be examined by the European Parliament and the Council for adoption.