Just days before Armenia’s parliamentary elections on Sunday, the European Commission has thrown its weight behind Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, announcing a support package designed to counter mounting Russian economic sanctions. The move underscores Brussels’ commitment to Yerevan’s pro-Western pivot, even as Moscow intensifies pressure on its former Soviet ally.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen declared on Thursday that “Europe stands firmly with Armenia,” accusing Russia of weaponising trade relations. “By extending export restrictions on Armenian products, Moscow is weaponising economic relations for political pressure. We know this playbook all too well,” she said in a statement.
Financial and Trade Measures
The EU’s package includes over €50 million in financial assistance, with additional funds to follow, and practical support for Armenian agri-food exports hit by Russian restrictions. Von der Leyen noted that “a shipment of 10,000 flowers is planned to arrive in Latvia” on Friday, part of broader efforts to connect businesses under the EU-Armenia Resilience and Growth Plan agreed in 2024. That plan has already helped 7,000 businesses and created more than 20,000 jobs.
European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos added that von der Leyen and Pashinyan agreed to establish a joint EU-Armenia Task Force to implement bilateral measures. Von der Leyen also highlighted Armenia’s potential as “a strategic hub connecting Europe, the South Caucasus and Central Asia,” and praised the recent reopening of trade routes with Turkey, including a railway link through Georgia, as “an excellent step forward.”
The EU’s endorsement aligns with signals from Washington. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told Congress on Wednesday that “there is evidence” Russia wants Pashinyan to lose the election due to his growing relationship with the United States. Rubio’s comments followed President Donald Trump’s endorsement of Pashinyan, amid allegations of Russian interference in favour of the pro-Russian opposition.
Moscow has recalled its ambassador to Armenia “for consultations” over Yerevan’s EU tilt. At a recent Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) summit in Astana, members threatened to suspend Armenia’s membership by December unless it holds a referendum on EU membership. For more on these dynamics, see our analysis: Pashinyan Balances EU Aspirations and Russian Pressure Ahead of Armenian Vote.
Economic Pressure and New Markets
Russia has imposed restrictions on Armenian wine, brandy, mineral water, fresh fruit, vegetables, flowers, and fish. Armenia sold €2.5 billion worth of goods to Russia in 2025—roughly a third of its total exports. Moscow has also threatened to cut critical oil and gas supplies; Armenia imports over 80% of its gas from Russia.
Pashinyan, however, struck a defiant tone on Tuesday, announcing that his government had found new markets in Europe and elsewhere. “No product will remain unsold,” he said, adding that “several of our business delegations are already working, and the first batches of roses and vegetables have already been shipped.” Armenian wines and brandies, though banned from using the word “cognac” in the EU, already sell in Europe, and demand for Caucasian spirits is growing. Fresh produce—strawberries, apricots, peaches, and pomegranates—as well as endemic Sevan trout, have natural buyers in EU markets.
Pashinyan’s Balancing Act
Despite the EU’s backing, Pashinyan has sought to avoid a direct confrontation with Moscow. On Thursday, he agreed with Russian President Vladimir Putin to travel to Moscow after the election to “resolve all current issues.” “We will not engage in a war of words with Russia, we will calmly defend Armenia’s positions,” he said at a campaign event in Martuni. “We will not act against Russia’s interests, but neither will we act against our own interests.”
He described relations with Russia as being “in a transformational phase,” which he considers “positive,” and insisted that ties remain “open and sincere.” Yet he also reiterated that Armenia’s EU membership bid is currently “theoretical,” and that Yerevan will continue working within the EAEU. For a broader look at the election stakes, see: Pashinyan Poised for Landslide Win, Pro-West Mandate in Armenia Vote.
Pashinyan has also defended his decision to abandon claims to Nagorno-Karabakh, calling it “my greatest service to Armenia.” The opposition has accused him of betraying national interests, but the prime minister argues that the move has opened the door to peace with Azerbaijan and closer ties with the West. As Armenia heads to the polls, the EU’s support may prove decisive in shaping the country’s future trajectory.
