EU tells Armenia 'you can count on us' as Russia keeps up economic pressure

AI Summary

The European Union pledged an additional €18 million in support to Armenia and eased some export restrictions to counter Russian economic pressure. This assistance comes amid Russian trade restrictions imposed before Armenia’s recent parliamentary election.

July 2 (Reuters) - The European Union pledged an additional €18 million in economic support for Armenia on Thursday and liberalised some export rules for its goods as Brussels seeks to shore up support for the South Caucasus country amid Russian trade pressure. Moscow imposed wide-ranging trade restrictions on Armenia in the lead-up to a parliamentary election in June, which saw the incumbent Civil Contract party clinch 49.8% of the votes. Russia accused the West of interfering in the vote, and joined Armenia's opposition in alleging election violations.