Armenia approves participation in EU's Interreg NEXT program with a budget of more than 72 million euros

YEREVAN, February 13. /ARKA/. The Armenian government on Thursday approved a proposal to endorse the funding agreement for the Black Sea basin “Interreg NEXT” program with a total budget of 72 million 275 thousand euros and 65 million euros of EU grant funding.
The program is financed by the European Union's Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument. It is aimed at promoting cross-border cooperation between the Black Sea countries.
The main objectives of the program are the development of “green” and “blue” economies, environmental protection, promotion of scientific research and introduction of innovative technologies.
The participating countries are Armenia, Georgia, Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, Turkey, Ukraine and Moldova.
Armenia's participation will be in the format of in-kind allocation, which does not imply any financial commitments. The program will finance projects in the fields of regional development, environmental protection, energy, science and technology.
The beneficiaries of the program can be state authorities, local self-government bodies, non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, organizations operating in the field of culture and science.
Armenia has been participating in the Black Sea Basin Program since 2007. To date, 38 projects have already been implemented. The government is confident that this new stage will contribute to sustainable regional development and strengthening of international partnership.
The agreement is in line with the provisions of the Armenia-EU Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA). -0-