ArmInfo. The European Union is Armenia's key partner in implementing reform policies. This was stated by head of the EU Delegation to Armenia, Ambassador Vassilis Maragos, at the Armenian Democratic Forum on July 1.
According to him, the EU and the US are the largest donors to Armenia, whose funds are directed towards developing and strengthening democratic institutions in the country. "We are ready to share our experience, as well as the experience of the countries that are associated with the EU and want to become full members of the European Union. Armenia makes good use of this experience, as evidenced by the reforms aimed at developing the capabilities of the country's citizens, political dialogue. We also work with civil society, while helping the Armenian government in the implementation of reform programs in the areas of justice and police, gender equality, combating domestic violence, children's rights and media freedom," Maragos said.
He pointed to the cooperation with the RA Ministry of Internal Affairs, which came up with the initiative to implement important reforms. As a result of these reforms, the Patrol Service was established in the country, for the establishment of which the EU provided 76 modern vehicles. Cooperation in the field of security and justice reforms has also been successful, for which budgetary assistance in the amount of about 40 million euros was provided. The work in this area is still ongoing, as well as the work on the reform of the judicial system.
Mr Maragos noted that the EU also provides assistance to Armenia in the field of legislation, one of the manifestations of which was the development of the draft law "On National Minorities". The Ambassador expressed hope that this document will soon be approved by the government and sent to the country's parliament. The Ambassador added that comprehensive studies are being conducted together with the World Bank to identify existing problems in the justice sector. The EU representative noted that negotiations are currently ongoing with Armenia on a new cooperation agenda, which will focus on issues related to the development of democracy. Yerevan will also continue to be assisted in establishing peace and security in the region in the context of the sovereignty and independence of the republic. In this regard, the Ambassador pointed out the important role of the EU observation mission on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border, which contributes to ensuring stability.
