The European Parliament's Committee on International Trade (INTA) on 14 July 2026 debated the European Commission's proposal for temporary trade-liberalisation measures (ATMs) for Armenian products, with all speakers aligned on swift support. The measures, adopted by the Commission on 2 July 2026 in response to Russian import restrictions, liberalise nearly 80% of Armenian exports to the EU for two years, covering products such as cut flowers, tomatoes, and fruits that were targeted by Russia, while excluding sensitive items like aluminium foil from Rusal subsidiary Armenal and products under EU steel measures. A safeguard mechanism and rules of origin to prevent circumvention were included.
Standing rapporteur Bogdan Andrzej Zdrojewski (EPP) urged swift adoption without amendments, stressing urgency due to perishable goods. Shadow rapporteur Stefan Musoiu (S&D) supported the measures, emphasising that EU standards would not be lowered and that safeguards protect European producers. Miriam Lexmann (EPP) raised logistical concerns, including the closed Turkey border and Russian influence in Georgia, as well as risks of Russian companies using Armenia to circumvent sanctions. The Commission noted a broader support package including trade facilitation and budgetary aid, and that origin rules and suspension provisions address circumvention.
Chair Bernd Lange confirmed a simplified procedure with an amendment deadline of 30 July and a vote in September. No political divergences emerged. Affected stakeholders include Armenian exporters (especially agriculture), EU importers, and European producers protected by safeguards. The debate concluded with updates on monitoring groups for Japan, Vietnam, Syria, Indonesia, Pakistan/Bangladesh, and Mercosur.