YEREVAN, July 5. /Dunyo IA/. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said following a meeting with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan that the European Union will grant duty-free access to its market for 80% of Armenian exports, reports Dunyo IA correspondent, citing DW.

According to Ursula von der Leyen, the decision comes amid strengthening ties between Armenia and the EU. Under the new arrangement, duty-free access will apply to 99% of Armenia’s fresh fruit exports and more than 91% of its beverages and alcoholic products.

She also announced that the union is providing Armenia with 52 million euro in financial assistance. Of that amount, 34 million euro has already been disbursed, while the remaining 18 million euro will be allocated in the near future. This will bring total EU assistance to Armenia to 288 million euro.

The European Commission said Armenia remains a “beacon of stability and democratic resilience in the South Caucasus.” Brussels also welcomed progress toward peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan, as well as the ongoing normalization of relations between Yerevan and Ankara.

According to Ursula von der Leyen, the results of Armenia’s recent parliamentary elections “demonstrated the strength of democracy” in the country. “The Armenian people have chosen reform and a closer partnership with our Union,” she said.

The EU also plans to continue supporting projects in the fields of transport, energy, and digital communications. Under the 200 million euro Peace through Connectivity initiative, projects are expected to attract up to 2 billion euro in public and private investment for the development of transport and communication links across the South Caucasus.

Separately, the European Commission President announced an additional 20 million euro under the Peace Dividends program to support local communities in Armenia and Azerbaijan. The funding will be directed toward healthcare, demining, skills development, and support for small businesses.