FACT SHEET: ENP COUNTRY PROGRESS REPORT 2014 – ARMENIA
European Commission
March 25 2015
Brussels, 25 March 2015
The 2015 ENP package “Implementation of the European Neighbourhood
Policy in 2014” consists of a joint Communication and a set of country
specific and regional reports. The report on Armenia underlines key
main developments and reform efforts in 2014 and makes recommendations
for the year to come.
The EU and Armenia have reconfirmed their commitment to further
develop and strengthen their cooperation in areas of mutual interest
within the Eastern Partnership framework. The EU and Armenia have
recently successfully completed their joint scoping exercise for a
future legal agreement compatible with Armenia’s new international
obligations after the country became a member of the Eurasian Economic
Union. This will enable both sides to launch soon negotiations on a
new EU-Armenia overarching agreement once the respective negotiating
mandates have been approved.
In 2014 Armenia advanced on several bilateral agreements: The
EU-Armenia Visa-Facilitation and Readmission Agreements entered into
force in January 2014 and since March 2014, Armenia can participate
in EU programs and agencies.
Armenia continued its democratic transition process, in particular
with regard to constitutional reform. Certain human rights issues,
fundamental freedoms and rule of law issues remained to be dealt with.
Armenia developed legislation in several areas that is in line with EU
rules and standards or international requirements. Such legislation
often remained to be adopted and implemented. Related reforms were
developed but not put in practice. The lack of trust in the judicial
system persisted. The fight against corruption remained a key issue.
Progress was noted with regard to the right of free legal aid.
Armenia continued to implement sound macroeconomic policies, such as
with regard to poverty reduction and social cohesion. Economic activity
continued to decelerate in 2014. Reforms in the tax administration
continued. More efforts to diversify the economy are recommendable.
The European Commission received Armenia’s stress test on the Medzamor
nuclear power plant. The test will be reviewed in 2015. This procedure
is in line with EU nuclear safety requirements.
2014 marked the 20th anniversary of the 1994 ceasefire agreement in
relation to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict against the background of a
continued stalemate. The security situation on the ground remained a
matter of serious concern amid unprecedented incidents and casualties
since 1994, as well as rise in confrontational rhetoric and a continued
arms race.
On the basis of the Country Progress Report, several actions are
recommended to Armenia for the year to come, amongst others:
initiating the amendment of the electoral legislation in accordance
with OSCE/ODIHR recommendations in due time before the parliamentary
elections in 2017; adopting and implementing comprehensive
anti-discrimination legislation; investigating the cases of attacks
and intimidation of human rights defenders and ensuring effective law
enforcement, including in cases relating to the deaths that occurred
during the clashes of March 2008 and the allegations of ill-treatment
in police custody and violation of due process; Intensifying the
reform of the judiciary and law enforcement and implementing the
related reform agenda; continuing public administration reform,
intensifying the prevention of and the fight against corruption;
stepping up efforts towards a comprehensive peace settlement in
accordance with the commitments undertaken within the Minsk Group;
refraining from actions and statements that could heighten tension and
undermine the peace process; progressing in regulatory approximation
with international trade-related laws and standards in order to achieve
the objective of diversifying Armenian exports with commodities of
higher value added;
Please find the whole list of recommendations in the Country Progress
Report here:
For further information:
I. Financial cooperation:
In 2014, EU funding through the European Neighbourhood Instrument
(ENI) amounted to EURO 34 million to support small businesses and
private sector development, and protection of human rights.
A total of up to EURO 170 million will be available for Armenia in
the years 2014-2017 to support reforms in key areas, such as private
sector development, public reform administration and justice.
Complementary support for the modernisation of public institutions and
for civil society can be provided outside the priority sectors. Total
figures are indicative: final allocations will depend on the country’s
needs and commitment to reforms.
In addition to ENI, in 2014 Armenia benefitted from other EU support,
including humanitarian assistance (EURO 10 million) and the thematic
programme for Civil Society and Local Authorities (EURO 3.1 million).
Further information on financial cooperation can be found in Section
IV of the Statistical Annex and on the Website of DG Neighbourhood
and Enlargement Negotiations:
II. Further sources of information:
Joint Communication on the implementation of the ENP in 2014
Progress report for Armenia with the full list of recommendations
ENP Action Plan
The European Neighbourhood Policy in general:
a.) EEAS
b.) European Commission
Website of Ms Federica Mogherini, HR/VP
Website of Mr Johannes Hahn, Member of the European Commission for
European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations