TA for Budget Support Programme Support to Justice Sector Reforms in Armenia, Phase II
Project Description
Armenia is on an ambitious path of strengthening democracy, the rule of law, and sustainable economic growth while addressing systemic corruption and fostering inclusive opportunities. Central to these efforts is judicial reform, focusing on enhancing the integrity, independence, and effectiveness of the judiciary.
The judicial structure of Armenia consists of General Jurisdiction Courts, Appellate Courts, and the Court of Cassation, complemented by specialized courts addressing administrative, bankruptcy, and anti-corruption cases. The establishment of the Anti-Corruption Court in August 2022 marks a significant step, integrating three judicial levels to combat corruption. The Constitutional Court ensures constitutional supremacy, further reinforcing the legal framework.
The Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA), in force since 2021, frames EU-Armenia collaboration across democracy, human rights, legislative reform, and justice improvement. This partnership has fostered a strategic dialogue since 2018, culminating in the December 2023 roadmap for justice sector reforms.
Despite progress, challenges persist. These include rising court backlogs, resource limitations, and outdated processes. Structural issues, lack of digital systems, and insufficient capacity-building efforts further hinder reform implementation. Addressing these requires strategic planning, robust monitoring systems, and enhanced institutional capacities, with a focus on non-judicial staff training and administrative efficiency.
The EU’s sustained support through Budget Support Phases I and II underscores its commitment to Armenia’s reform agenda. These efforts aim to ensure the judiciary's independence, efficiency, and adaptability to transformative changes while strengthening Armenia's democratic institutions.
The judicial structure of Armenia consists of General Jurisdiction Courts, Appellate Courts, and the Court of Cassation, complemented by specialized courts addressing administrative, bankruptcy, and anti-corruption cases. The establishment of the Anti-Corruption Court in August 2022 marks a significant step, integrating three judicial levels to combat corruption. The Constitutional Court ensures constitutional supremacy, further reinforcing the legal framework.
The Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA), in force since 2021, frames EU-Armenia collaboration across democracy, human rights, legislative reform, and justice improvement. This partnership has fostered a strategic dialogue since 2018, culminating in the December 2023 roadmap for justice sector reforms.
Despite progress, challenges persist. These include rising court backlogs, resource limitations, and outdated processes. Structural issues, lack of digital systems, and insufficient capacity-building efforts further hinder reform implementation. Addressing these requires strategic planning, robust monitoring systems, and enhanced institutional capacities, with a focus on non-judicial staff training and administrative efficiency.
The EU’s sustained support through Budget Support Phases I and II underscores its commitment to Armenia’s reform agenda. These efforts aim to ensure the judiciary's independence, efficiency, and adaptability to transformative changes while strengthening Armenia's democratic institutions.
Specific Objective
The overall objective of the project is to support the Government of Armenia and other key justice institutions to implement the 2022-2026 Judicial and Legal Reform Strategy2, 2019-2023 Strategy for Penitentiary and Probation Services and 2023-2026 Anti-Corruption Strategy3.
Expected Results
The specific objectives of the project is to support the relevant national stakeholders such as the Ministry of Justice (MOJ), Supreme Judicial Council (SJC), Corruption Prevention Commission (CPC), General Prosecutor's Office (GPO), and other key justice institutions in:
a) implementing the justice, anti-corruption and penitentiary strategies,
b) bringing the criminal justice system in line with European standards
c) facilitating coordination among donors in the sectors and ensuring EU-Armenia Strategic Policy Dialogue
d) enhancing abilities of government structures to manage, monitor and report on implementation of budget support programmes and support the EU Delegation in assessment of budget support targets implementation
a) implementing the justice, anti-corruption and penitentiary strategies,
b) bringing the criminal justice system in line with European standards
c) facilitating coordination among donors in the sectors and ensuring EU-Armenia Strategic Policy Dialogue
d) enhancing abilities of government structures to manage, monitor and report on implementation of budget support programmes and support the EU Delegation in assessment of budget support targets implementation
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PROJECT DETAILS
Armenia
Priority Area:
Partnership that protects Subsector:
Governance & public administration Topic:
Justice Project Status:
Ongoing Start Date:
26.05.2024 End Date:
26.05.2026