Armenian Economy Minister Gevorg Papoyan said the government has submitted a package of support measures to help exporters expand into European Union markets after recent Russian restrictions on several Armenian products.

He said the proposed program covers compensation for transportation costs, customs duties, and certain intellectual property expenses, with a particular focus on agricultural exports.

The minister said Armenian exports to the European Union have doubled since the start of the year, but the government is aiming for even faster growth. “We are even more aggressive and aim to increase exports to the EU by four to five times by the end of the year,” Papoyan said.

He stressed that Armenian fruits, vegetables, and processed foods already meet European standards, with many exporters holding the internationally recognized Global G.A.P. certification used by major European supermarket chains.

Papoyan argued that the main hurdle is not quality but logistics and market-access costs. “Our products meet the highest standards of both the EAEU and the EU. Now the transportation issues remain,” he said.

To boost competitiveness, the government plans sizable subsidies for exporters. Papoyan said support could reach roughly $5.5 million for flower exports and $3.5 million each for tomato and pepper exports by year-end. The program is meant to ease exports across the EU, “from Greece to Germany.”

The minister also said Armenia expects direct financial assistance from the European Union, with European partners indicating the matter could be settled within the next ten months.

On Russia’s recent restrictions on Armenian goods, Papoyan said talks with Russian counterparts are ongoing and the mood is constructive. “The climate is very positive, and everyone wants to find solutions to the problems,” he said.

Meanwhile, Vassilis Maragos, Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Armenia, said Brussels is preparing additional support measures for Armenian exporters hit by the Russian restrictions. Speaking at a meeting with Armenian exporters and business representatives, Maragos said consultations were ongoing and that concrete measures would follow talks with European officials.

“Later today, important meetings will take place and there will be phone calls, including with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, after which we will announce specific additional measures regarding support for Armenia,” Maragos said.

The ambassador said the EU aims to help Armenian businesses diversify their export destinations and expand their presence in international markets. “The Armenian businesspeople are among the most successful not only here in Armenia, but also worldwide,” Maragos said, adding that the EU wanted to hear directly from exporters about their current challenges and expectations.

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk, however, denied that Moscow was restricting Armenian imports, calling the measures routine phytosanitary controls. “We are not imposing any restrictions on Armenian imports at all,” Overchuk said, arguing that inspections of newly harvested produce are standard procedures to protect consumers and prevent the spread of pests and diseases.

In recent weeks, Russia has restricted a range of Armenian exports, including flowers, certain fruits and vegetables, fish products, and mineral water, citing sanitary and phytosanitary concerns. In response, the Armenian government has pursued market diversification and introduced support measures to help exporters reach alternative destinations, particularly in the European Union and the Middle East.