EU backs tariff relief for armenian exports. The measures, proposed for a two-year period, would cover a broad range of Armenian goods, including selected agricultural products, while strengthening trade ties between Armenia and the EU. The European Parliament is expected to consider the proposal during its September plenary session, after which the Council would need to formally approve the regulation before it enters into force. The move comes as Armenia continues to distance itself from its traditional reliance on Moscow and deepen ties with Western partners. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said in August that his government would soon begin preparations to submit an official application for EU membership, although no formal application has yet been filed.