Brussels, 04/11/2014 (Agence Europe) - Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn and Armenia's Minister of the Economy Karen Chshmaritian signed a memorandum of understanding on Monday 3 November, which initiates the EU's single support framework for Armenia.
This framework sets objectives and priorities for cooperation between the two parties for the 2014-2017 period. An allocation of between €140 million and €170 million is earmarked depending to Erevan's progress. Three sectors of priority intervention have been defined - development of the private sector, reform of the public administration, and reform of the justice sector. Further support will be provided for training and knowledge-sharing to support the modernisation of public institutions and to help civil society develop stronger democratic processes and accountability systems.
New funding of €19 million.
Elsewhere, Hahn announced an initial aid package of €19 million under this new single support framework. An amount of €12 million will be dedicated to supporting human rights protection in order to improve the relevant legislation in the domains of the right to free elections, prevention of torture, minority protection, gender equality and child protection.
Support of €7 million will focus on the development of small and medium-sized enterprises. The funding aims to enhance the policy making process and coordinated support to SMEs, to upgrade the process of commercialisation of ideas by linking research institutions and businesses, to improve design and management of existing incubators and free economic zones, and to diversify access to finance for innovative start-ups in Armenia.
In addition, Hahn and Chshmaritian signed a €25 million financing agreement for a support programme for the agricultural and rural development sector. The action will help improve agricultural institutions, encourage the development of farmers' associations, improve access to more affordable food for Armenian citizens, and contribute to better living conditions in rural areas. (CG)