The EU pledged an extra €18m in economic aid to Armenia and eased export
restrictions on certain Armenian goods as Moscow imposes broad trade curbs ahead
of June parliamentary elections. Russian measures have targeted key Armenian
exports — fresh produce, flowers, fish and alcoholic beverages — lifting
geopolitical and trade risk, weighing on export receipts and sector sentiment as
Yerevan pursues closer ties with the West. The ruling Civil Contract party
received 49.8% in the June vote; Russia has accused Western interference and
joined opposition claims of irregularities, heightening bilateral tensions.
