Republican Party of Armenia

 Attended by Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan and Head of EU Delegation in Armenia Trajan Hristea, the launch ceremony for eight EU-Armenia financing agreements was held today in the Office of Government.

The new support package features 77.5 million euros (AMD44 billion) in support of economic development and reforms in Armenia. The event was also attended by government officials, ambassadors of EU-member States, international organizations accredited in Armenia, other dignitaries.

Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan delivered a welcoming speech, stating in part:

“Dear diplomatic corps representatives,
Dear colleagues,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

The European Union is an important partner for the Republic of Armenia, and our relations with the both the European institutions and the European Union-member States continue developing.

Highly appreciative of its interaction with the European Union, Armenia is eager to uphold the current level of bilateral cooperation in all possible areas of interest.

We want to maintain the pace of cooperation with the European Union as it is of fundamental importance as to the development of our country’s political institutions and government agencies, as well as in terms of ensuring favorable conditions for economic development. The European Union’s budgetary and technical assistance is a key element of EU-Armenia cooperation.

We are pleased to note that the European Union’s assistance programs have brought about considerable improvements in a number of areas, including trade regulations, food safety, intellectual property, as well as justice, vocational education, public finance management and other areas.

Dear Attendees,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

By last yearend, eight assistance agreements were signed between the Republic of Armenia and the European Union. Underway are the previously signed financing agreements relating to education, justice, public finance management and economic reforms. We look forward to expanding the areas covered by this assistance toolkit.

I am convinced that this process will help boost both economic reforms in a number of important sectors, as well as further strengthen the ongoing interaction with the European Union. My government will do everything to make progress in all areas of cooperation.”

Head of EU Delegation Traian Hristea stated in turn: “The European Union expects that the scheduled significant amount of assistance will lead to tangible results in the coming years. Closely monitored by Parliament and civil society, high-level commitment and strong civic support seem to be indispensable for Armenia’s successful development.”

He added that Armenia is the second largest per-capita beneficiary under the Eastern Partnership Program. The aforementioned eight agreements are meant to promote bilateral cooperation in different fields of activity from agriculture to regional development, boost immigration and integrated border management, promote civil service and anti-corruption reforms, improve water supply, reconstruct the Yerevan subway and enhance nuclear safety.

Traian Hristea noted that two of the agreements are aimed at boosting economic development to reduce poverty in the country. It includes support for agriculture and rural development (25 million euros) that will ensure effective and sustainable agricultural development, create new jobs, support farmers’ associations and cooperatives, allowing wider access to affordable food.

In addition, the 10 million euro-worth territorial development program will help implement specific projects (public-private partnership, employment, workforce training) to catalyze economic development in the provinces.

Special emphasis is placed on anticorruption and civil service reforms in the field of public governance (21 million euros). The EU will support efforts in the field of border management and immigration (4 million euros) under the EU-Armenia visa facilitation and mobility partnership agreement.

Another instrument is designed to develop the skills of civil servants, facilitate Armenia’s participation in EU programs (6 million euros) and strengthen civil society as a key partner in bilateral cooperation and reform monitoring process.

Two large-scale infrastructure projects were agreed upon, aimed at improving the daily lives of Yerevan residents through the reconstruction of the metro system (5 million euros), and improvements in water supply and sanitation services (5.5 million euros).

The European Union will also help enhance nuclear safety through upgraded radioactive waste management capacity (1 million euros). The new assistance package reaffirms Armenia’s and the European Union’s reciprocated commitment to closer cooperation.