EU avoids timeline for Armenian produce entering bloc's markets

The European Commission declined to say whether Armenian fruit and vegetables would reach store shelves across the European Union by the end of the year, despite being asked directly about the issue during its daily press briefing, Report informs.

Instead of providing a timeline, European Commission chief spokesperson Paula Pinho highlighted the EU's broader support for Armenia, including measures announced by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during her visit to Yerevan in June.

Pinho said the planned autonomous trade measures could mean an increase in imports from Armenia in the near future, but stopped short of predicting when Armenian agricultural products would become available on EU markets.

As an example of the bloc's support, she cited the period when Russia abruptly halted imports of Armenian flowers, a key export for the country.

"As an urgent measure, as soon as Russia suddenly stopped importing flowers - which was a major market for Armenia - the EU stepped in and effectively compensated for those losses," Pinho said.

She added that the move marked the beginning of what the European Commission expects will lead to expanded trade between the European Union and Armenia.