Lithuania pledges to support Armenia-EU trade promotion efforts

Lithuania is determined to actively contribute to measures promoting trade between Armenia and the European Union, Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys said in a post on social media platform X. The minister welcomed the establishment of the EU-Armenia working group, a new package of financial support and trade measures, and the broader partnership framework set by the European Commission. According to Budrys, Lithuania is committed to contributing to their implementation.

Budrys emphasized Lithuania's support for Armenia as it seeks to defend its right to sovereign decisions and free and fair elections without foreign interference. He stated that Russia's use of economic coercion to pressure Armenia in the context of elections is reprehensible and must be resolutely addressed. His remarks followed an announcement on Thursday by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan regarding increased financial aid and flower imports for the country.

Armenian voters will go to the polls on Sunday for parliamentary elections seen as a test of Pashinyan's efforts to reduce the country's dependence on Moscow and forge closer ties with the West. Recently, Russia has increased pressure on Yerevan by imposing import restrictions in certain sectors and calling for a referendum on Armenia's pursuit of closer ties with the European Union. According to the European Commission, the EU has already facilitated trade relations with Armenia in the areas targeted by Moscow. Armenia remains a formal ally of Russia but has been strengthening relations with the European Union in recent years due to frustration over Moscow's role in regional conflicts. In 2024, the country froze part of its security ties with Russia and passed a law seeking closer integration with the European Union, further straining relations with Moscow.