EU earmarks 41 mln euros for development programs in Armenia

YEREVAN, December 23. /ARKA/. The European Union made a decision to earmark 41 million euros to support civil society, regional and rural development in Armenia, the EU website reports.

“The EU and Armenia are committed to continuing cooperation in all areas of mutual interest based on common values. Our assistance for agriculture and rural development, balanced regional development, a more efficient civil service and reinforced civil society will provide significant impetus for reforms in Armenia and bring concrete benefits to people,” said Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy Štefan Füle.

The new EU initiatives aim at improving rural institutions, supporting development of farmers’ associations and providing more affordable food to Armenia’s citizens, RIA Novosti reports.

  

In terms of regional development the program will help implement projects on economic development, particularly on public-private partnership, creation of employment and training of labor force. The aim is to reinforce civil society, as an important partner for the EU, in promoting bilateral cooperation and monitoring reforms, according to the report.

Earlier, Armenia was expected to sign an association agreement with the EU at the Eastern Partnership summit in Vilnius in November. But in September Armenia said it intended to join Russia-led Customs Union. The signing of the roadmap for Armenia’s accession to the CU is scheduled for December 24. –0--