4-5 June, 2024

On 4 and 5 June 2024 Michael Siebert, European External Action Service Managing Director for Eastern Europe, Russia, Central Asia, regional cooperation and OSCE, paid a visit to Armenia. During his visit Mr. Siebert was received by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Secretary of the Security Council Armen Grigoryan, Deputy Speaker Ruben Rubinyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs Ararat Mirzoyan and Deputy Prime Minister Tigran Khachatryan. He also launched the EU-AM negotiations on the New Partnership Agenda together with Deputy Foreign Minister Paruyr Hovhanissyan. Besides, he met with representatives of civil society and visited EUMA Headquarters in Yeghegnadzor.

During the meetings the parties discussed the next steps in the process of strengthening EU-AM relations, the regional situation, the peace and normalisation process, and EU support to Armenia’s resilience, sovereignty and democratic reforms.

June 6, 2024

On June 6 the R2D Syunik – Recovery, Resilience and Development for Syunik was launched. The overall objective of the Recovery, Resilience, Development for Syunik project (R2D Syunik), implemented within the Resilient Syunik Team Europe initiative in cooperation with local governments and co-financed by the European Union and Austrian Development Agency, is to enhance recovery and resilience of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and sustainable small-scale communal infrastructure in Syunik. Within 5 years of implementation and with 11M euro of budget we will focus on the following: MSME Support, Small Infrastructures, Team Europe Initiative․

“It is a testament to the strong and reliable cooperation between EU and Armenia. With joint efforts, it is possible to empower local enterprises, foster sustainable development, and promote inclusivity. Together we can build a resilient and vibrant future for Syunik”, said H.E. Mr. Vassilis Maragos, Ambassador, Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Armenia.

R2D Syunik is part of the Resilient Syunik Team Europe Initiative. This joint undertaking involves the European Union, the European Investment Bank, and EU Member states including Austria, Czechia, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, and Sweden. Additionally, Switzerland has joined as an external partner.

The main objective of this Team Europe initiative is to contribute to the sustainable socioeconomic and institutional development of the Syunik region, taking coordinated action in line with the development priorities of the regional and local authorities in the Armenia-European Union flagship initiative focusing on the area. The initiative is a flexible mechanism, it may be further expanded and is open for member states to join with new initiatives to promote the development of the Syunik region.

6-7 June, 2024

On 6 and 7 June, the Eastern Partnership 2024 Community Dialogue was held, implemented by the Open Government Partnership (OGP) and organised jointly with the Armenia’s Prime Minister’s Office and Counterpart International/USAID. This unique four-country forum (Armenia, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine) brought together national and local authorities and civil society as part of the EU-funded ‘EU for Integrity’ programme.

On this occasion, the EU Ambassador, Mr. Vassilis Maragos, stated: “This dialogue marks a significant milestone, as it is the first stand-alone event dedicated to fostering a marketplace of ideas within the Eastern Partnership Open Government community, made possible through the steadfast support of the ‘EU for Integrity’ programme. This forum offers us an unprecedented opportunity to exchange good practices, discuss our challenges, and, most importantly, inspire each other to push the boundaries of what is possible in open governance are here to support each other, to learn from each other, and to build a stronger, more inclusive future together. Together, we can build a future where open government is not just an aspiration but a reality for all our citizens”.

To learn more about the “EU for Integrity” Programme, visit the website.

6 June, 2024

Armenia requested to activate the Union Civil Protection Mechanism, UCPM to overcome the huge damages in the Northern Regions because of the floods. The EU and like-minded partners have looked for ways to support Armenia to overcome the difficulties caused by the disaster. Experts from ECHO (European Commission Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection) and Switzerland were the first ones to be on the ground to provide help.

12 June, 2024

EU funded LEAD4Lori and Tavush regions project has mobilised funds for emergency response to population affected by the recent floods in Lori and Tavush regions. Support, which included provision of fodder, seeds and small agricultural and household equipment has been provided based on needs identified by “Tashir plus”, “Lorva Dzor”, “Gandzor” and “Aghstevi Hovit” Local Action Groups (LAGs).

LAGs are the cornerstone of EU LEADER methodology piloted in Lori, Tavush and Shirak regions aimed at promoting inclusive and sustainable growth and improved livelihoods of rural population by bringing together local authorities, local businesses and civil society organisations.

18 June, 2024

The EU, through the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) and the Government of Spain, deployed 3 experts to assist the Government of Armenia in assessing the damage to infrastructure caused by the floods in Lori and Tavush.

The team of experts met with local authorities to better understand the government’s needs and priorities. The work started assessing damaged structures in Tashir and Alaverdi. The team focused on the infrastructure (small bridges) that gives access to agricultural land but also looked into the houses.

11-12 June, 2024

The EU-Armenia Partnership Committee, established under the EU-Armenia Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA), met for the fifth time in Yerevan to discuss the implementation of the CEPA and EU-Armenia bilateral cooperation.

The EU and Armenia underlined the positive momentum in their partnership. The parties agreed to step up their efforts for the implementation of the CEPA, with the aim of unlocking its full potential, and to address socio-economic challenges. The EU recognised Armenia’s achievements and continued reform commitment in line with common values.

The parties referred to the ongoing negotiations for the EU-Armenia new Partnership Agenda, setting ambitious goals across all areas of cooperation, which will be financially underpinned by the Resilience and Growth Plan of EUR 270 million for the period 2024-2027. The Plan will step up support to strategic investments, in particular on connectivity infrastructure in transport, digital and energy, and invest in business development to boost jobs and economic growth.

The parties welcomed the good progress in the implementation of the Economic and Investment Plan which already mobilised EUR 600 million worth of investments.

The Partnership Committee reviewed developments related to the rule of law, justice reform, law enforcement, the fight against corruption, and the respect for human rights. The EU appreciated the progress made, including the conclusion of the international agreement on cooperation with Eurojust and the strengthened migration management capacities to prepare for a possible launch of a visa liberalisation dialogue.

Read more: https://europa.eu/!qM7jrR

23 July, 2024

The EU has taken 2 important decisions: By supporting Armenia for the first time ever through the European Peace Facility, the EU will help strengthen the logistical capacities of the Armenian Armed Forces to protect civilians in emergencies.

By launching the visa liberalization dialogue, the EU and Armenia will work together to create the conditions so that in the future Armenian citizens will be able to travel to the EU visa-free for stays up to 90 days.

The EU continues to support Armenia’s democratic reform process, helping make Armenia and the South Caucasus more peaceful, stable and prosperous. With the first European Peace Facility (EPF) assistance and the launch of visa liberalisation dialogue we further strengthen our partnership for a more peaceful and prosperous Armenia.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/3ZmvSUK

14 June, 2024

The High Level Public-Private Dialogue Conference on “Judicial Performance and Statistics Systems Evaluation” took place within the “Multi-Faceted OGP Action: Open Justice and Anti-Corruption Commitments” Project. EU has been supporting Armenia on its justice reform path for several years in line with CEPA and EU best practices. Addressing the conference, Head of the EU Delegation to Armenia, EU Ambassador Vassilis Maragos underlined that the use of statistics and statistical analysis is critical for justice and anti-corruption efficiency in line with CEPA & OGP․

3 June, 2024

Through the Eastern Europe Energy Efficiency and Environment (E5P) programme, the EU and other donors are providing funds to Armenia and other countries to improve the environment and reduce energy usage thus cutting down the CO2 emissions.

Ambassador Vassilis Maragos addressed the children who will benefit from the renovations of the kindergarten N22 located at Yerevan in Arabkir administrative district: “We hope you love and play a lot in your kindergarten and remember to help us save our planet for you to enjoy it in the future, by turning off the lights when you leave and closing the doors to keep the heat in!”

The Eastern Europe Energy Efficiency and Environment Partnership (E5P) is a €243 million multi-donor and multi-implementing agency fund initiated during the Swedish Presidency of the European Union in 2009 to encourage municipal investments in energy efficiency and environmental projects in the Eastern Partnership region.

3 June, 2024

EU is proud to support the opening of the Armenian National Supercomputing Center (ANSCC) which is the result of a “public-private partnership” involving the Armenian Government, the World Bank, the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia (NAS RA), the Institute for Informatics and Automation Problems of NAS RA (it represents ASNET-AM), the Toulouse Institute of Computer Science Research, the University of Paul Sabatier, Atos, and the Enterprise Incubator Foundation, with strong support from the EaPConnect Project.

20 June, 2024

EU Ambassador Vassilis Maragos participated in Erasmus+ National Kick-off Day 2024 on July 20. He underlined the importance of educational and other types of Youth exchange/mobility, stressing that since 2022 over 30 Armenian universities and research institutions implemented over 616 partnership with EU universities. Ambassador wished participants of Erasmus+ National Kick-off Day 2024 good discussions and encouraged HE and VET institutions to use the potential of the Erasmus+ program extensively.

18 July, 2024

On July 18 the three-year human rights project ATHENA aimed at the protection of human rights and the promotion of institutional mechanisms was launched with the financial support of the EU. The project will be implemented by UNFPA Armenia, UNDP in Armenia and UNICEF Armenia.

In the next 3 years we’ll work together building on impressive past achievements to further strengthen accountable institutions and build capacities for the benefit of Armenia’s citizens.

Learn more: bit.ly/4bRicDX

19 July, 2024

EU Ambassador Vassilis Maragos had a productive meeting with Yerevan Metro Director Babken Sedrakyan to discuss the progress and results of the Yerevan Metro Rehabilitation Project.

The project’s objective is to upgrade the metro system and improve the quality of life for Yerevan residents by encouraging greater use of public transport and reducing vehicle emissions. It is co-financed by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the European Investment Bank, and the EU Neighbourhood Investment Facility.

The project will provide an overhaul of the Yerevan metro system. It will address public health and safety concerns that were identified in the due-diligence for Phase I including water ingress in the metro tunnel, fire protection equipment and occupational health and safety issues in relation to the train washing facility and training of staff.

The Project will improve the daily lives of the citizens of Yerevan through the provision of better infrastructure, with an immediate impact on ordinary people’s welfare. It will also achieve compliance with the European Bank of Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Environmental and Social Policy Requirements and European Investment Bank (EIB) Environmental and Social Principles and Standards. Specifically, the additional safety measures to be financed under phase II will reduce the current level of fire risk and improve the protection of workers and passengers who work and travel on the metro.

1 August, 2024

The European Investment Bank’s global arm, EIB Global, joined forces for the first time with Armenian commercial banks. EIB Global is lending Acba bank €55 million and €12 million to Evocabank to expand financing for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises and mid-caps in the country. The EIB credit will enable these banks to boost financing for businesses across Armenia so they can expand operations, create jobs and harness new market opportunities.

“We are committed to assuring banks that the loan conditions, bolstered by an EU grant for local currency support, will be highly attractive. As we finalise the Neighbourhood Investment Platform (NIP) grant, this initiative will complement the EIB’s own risk operations, enhancing financial accessibility and support for local businesses,” said Jan Plešinger, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the EU Delegation to Armenia․