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ENP PACKAGE, COUNTRY PROGRESS REPORT - ARMENIA
Europa.eu
http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=MEMO/12/330&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en
May 15 2012
The European Commission and the High Representative of the Union
for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy published on 15 May 2012 the
annual "neighbourhood package", consisting of a joint communication
("Delivering on the new European Neighbourhood Policy") making
an assessment of the first year of implementation of the new ENP
adopted in 2011, a separate joint communication proposing an "Eastern
Partnership Road Map", a report on the "Partnership for Democracy and
Shared prosperity" with Southern Mediterranean (including a roadmap
for future action), an Eastern Partnership progress report, 12 country
reports (on developments in 2011 and with a set of recommendations
for the future), including one on Armenia, and a statistical annex.
Within the Eastern Partnership, the negotiations for an EU-Armenia
Association Agreement (AA) progressed at a good pace. Armenia made
substantial progress in implementing the "key recommendations" allowing
for the launching of negotiations on a Deep and Comprehensive Free
Trade Area (DCFTA). Overall, Armenia made good progress in the areas
of Democracy and Human Rights.
On the basis of this year's report and with a view to sustained
implementation of the ENP Action Plan in 2012, Armenia is invited to:
Ahead of the upcoming presidential elections scheduled in 2013,
address the shortcomings identified by OSCE/ODIHR concerning the
May 2012 Parliamentary elections, in order to fully meet recognized
international democratic standards Step up efforts with Azerbaijan
to reach agreement on the Madrid Principles in accordance with the
commitments made by the Presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan in the
framework of the Minsk Group.
Provide unconditional access for representatives of the EU to Nagorno
Karabakh and surrounding regions.
Fully investigate the deaths that occurred during the clashes of
March 2008 and the allegations of ill-treatment in police custody
and violation of due process.
Ensure finalisation and implementation of the National Human Rights
Strategy and Action Plan.
Adopt amendments to the legislation on broadcasting in compliance
with the recommendations of the OSCE and the Council of Europe,
and ensure pluralism in the broadcasting media.
Finalise the draft law on Conscience and Religious Freedoms, in
line with international standards as well as the legislation on
alternative civilian service, in conformity with Venice Commission
and OSCE recommendations.
Adopt comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation, including further
steps leading to the harmonisation of legislation with the EU acquis
in the areas of gender equality and non-discrimination.
Strengthen enforcement of the Anti-Corruption Strategy and boost
capacity for combating corruption.
Strengthen the implementation of the reform agenda presented by
the Armenian authorities, including measures to reform public
administration and the judicial sector (especially increase the
independence of the judiciary, improve the training of judges, review
the code of criminal procedure, pursue the Police Reform Programme).
Continue to advance sectoral reforms and regulatory approximation to
the EU acquis in trade and trade-related areas based on the key and
additional recommendations identified in the preparation for the DCFTA.
Work towards the earliest possible closure of the Medzamor Nuclear
Power Plant and adopt a detailed decommissioning plan for this plant,
taking into account the result of stress tests.
Political dialogue and reform In the area of deep and sustainable
democracy, positive steps were taken to prepare the country
for upcoming elections, with changes in the electoral code and a
presidential amnesty for the remaining persons detained for charges
related to the March 2008 events. There are however concerns about
media freedom relating to the limitations on TV broadcasting and
to suits for insult and defamation. Significant restrictions to the
freedom of assembly and association remain.
Despite a strong reform effort, public trust in the judiciary continues
to be low, and perception of corruption high.
Civilian control over the security forces is effective. Despite
information about incident being published by the Ministry of Defence,
impunity for human rights violations committed by members of the
security forces is a matter of concern.
No significant progress occurred in the area of freedom of religion
and belief. The alternative civilian service continues to remain
a problem in 2011 both in legislation and practice. The government
was active in strengthening the legal framework to ensure children's
rights and gender equality. As regards civil society, registration
requirements for non governmental organizations (NGOs) are cumbersome
and time-consuming, while labour organisations are weak and relatively
inactive in practice.
The National Preventive Mechanism under the Optional Protocol to the
UN Convention against Torture should be further strengthened. Cases
of torture and ill treatment among military conscripts, in prison
facilities and police stations are not adequately investigated.
Negotiations on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict within the Minsk Group
led to no tangible results in 2011. Amidst increasing tension along
the Line of Contact, mediation efforts resulted in marginal progress
on the investigation of the violation of the ceasefire agreement.
Economic and social reform As the authorities maintained prudent
macroeconomic policies and introduced several structural reforms,
Armenia showed encouraging signs of recovery (4.6% growth rate in 2011)
after the severe recession that resulted from the international crisis
in 2009.
The economy was supported by an IMF financing arrangement and
exceptional donor assistance, including Macro-Financial Assistance
from the EU worth EUR 100 million.
Armenia continued to progress towards meeting the objectives of the
Action Plan in the area of macroeconomic policy, poverty reduction
and social cohesion. Longer-term growth prospects are very uncertain
due to lack of diversification, low competitiveness and closed borders
with two out of four Armenia's neighbour countries.
In 2011, 6 % of the population was unemployed and 36% was below the
poverty line. The implementation of Armenia's Sustainable Development
Programme on poverty reduction 2008-2021 continued to be suspended
in 2011.
Trade-related issues, market and regulatory reform Bilateral trade
continued to improve in 2011 from the 2009 slowdown with 18.2%
increase year-on-year. EU exports to Armenia increased by 15.7%,
while EU imports from Armenia increased by 23.3%.
Armenia made substantial progress in implementing the "key
recommendations" for the launching of negotiations on a Deep
and Comprehensive Free Trade Area, in particular legislative and
institutional reforms in the areas of Technical Barriers to Trade,
Sanitary and Phytosanitary Standards and Intellectual Property Rights.
It adopted for example a food safety strategy.
23 laws were adopted between February and April with the aim of
improving business climate and to facilitate company establishment.
Cooperation on justice, freedom and security Following adoption of
the 2010 Border Security and Border Management Strategy 2011-2015,
Armenia approved an implementation Action Plan in April. A National
Action Plan 2012-2016 for the implementation of the Concept for the
Policy of State Regulation of Migration was adopted in November.
Directives for the negotiation between the EU and Armenia of visa
facilitation and readmission agreements were adopted by the EU in
December and were launched on 27th February 2012. In October 2011, the
EU-Armenia Mobility Partnership was established, proposing cooperation
in four major areas (mobility, legal migration and integration;
migration and development; fight against irregular immigration;
asylum and international protection).
Armenia adopted national strategy and programmes or legislative
amendments to improve effectiveness of the fight against organised
crime, terrorism, drug trafficking, money laundering and trafficking
in human beings.
Transport, energy, environment, the information society, research and
development Transport: Armenia continued to implement its 2009-2020
transport strategy. In July, Armenia became a full member of the
Organisation for International Carriage by Rail.
Energy: Armenia started updating its energy strategy and adopted a
renewable energy roadmap. The EU continues to request the closure
of Medzamor Nuclear Power Plant as soon as possible, as it cannot be
upgraded to meet internationally recognised nuclear safety standards.
Armenia expressed readiness to undertake with the EU a comprehensive
risk and safety assessment of the plant, taking account of EU
standards. Armenia became observer of the Energy Community.
Climate change: The government adopted a five year action plan for
the implementation of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change
(UNFCCC). Armenia is encouraged to engage in the new carbon market
mechanism to be developed following the UNFCCC COP 17, as well as to
fully implement the Cancun and Durban agreements.
Environment: Armenia started preparing a new environment action
plan post 2012. The Regional Environmental Centre for the Caucasus
continued its activities in 2011; its founders want to see its role
enhanced in the years to come and tried to find a solution to its debt
problem Research and innovation: Armenia continued to increase the
number of applications to the 7th Framework Programme (24 research
organisations involved in 22 projects).
People-to-people contacts, education and health Education: Higher
education reform continued to benefit from EU-Armenia cooperation and
support via the Tempus IV programme (two additional projects), the
Erasmus Mundus programme (49 scholarships and mobility grants), the
Marie Curie scheme (seven institutions and six individual researchers)
and the Jean Monnet programme (one module awarded to Yerevan State
University).
Culture: Armenia participated in four projects under the 2010 Special
Action for ENP countries under the Culture Programme. The Youth
Parliament of the Armenian National Assembly started its work in May
2011. Youth organisations continued benefitting from the exchange
opportunities under the Youth in Action programme (380 participants).
Health: Reform continued with a view to improving, within the limited
available financial means, access to, availability of and quality
of health care services. Special attention was paid to address the
burden of tuberculosis.
EU-Armenia - BACKGROUND THE POLICY The European Neighbourhood Policy
governs the relations between the EU and Armenia. Since 2009 the EU
implements the Eastern Partnership, the Eastern dimension of the ENP
framework, aiming at substantially upgrading engagement with the six
Eastern neighbours via:
- a Bilateral track, whose objectives include the establishing of
Association Agreements with Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Areas,
once conditions have been met, as well as progress on visa and mobility
issues, and
- a Multilateral track (i.e. intergovernmental platforms and Flagship
Initiatives).
This approach allows for gradual political association and deeper
economic integration.
FACTS AND FIGURES 1999: Entry into force of the EU-Armenia Partnership
and Cooperation Agreement.
2006: Approval of the EU-Armenia Action Plan.
2009: EU Advisory Group to Armenia (financed by the EU) started its
activities with the aim of supporting the Armenian authorities in
the implementation of the key areas of the ENP Action Plan
2009: Neighbourhood Investment Facility committed EUR 14.6 million in
grants and technical assistance for two projects in the transport
sector. Armenia is also eligible for three regional projects,
committing EUR 24 million in the energy and financial sectors
2007-2010: The ENPI1 envelope for Armenia stands at EUR 98.4 million
2011-2013: The new National Indicative Programme (NIP) 2011-13 for
Armenia was adopted in March 2010 and has a budget of EUR 157.3
million. The programme is geared towards supporting the achievement
of key policy objectives as outlined in the EU-Armenia Action Plan
and pursues three priorities: (1) democratic structures and good
governance, (2) trade and investment; regulatory alignment and reform,
and (3) socio-economic reform and sustainable development.
2011: Establishment of the EU-Armenia Mobility Partnership.
2011: Armenia became observer of the Energy Community.
More info at: http://ec.europa.eu/world/enp/documents_en.htm
http://eeas.europa.eu/armenia/index_en.htm
http://eeas.europa.eu/enp/index_en.htm
1 :
the European Neighbourhood Partnership Instrument
Europa.eu
http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=MEMO/12/330&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en
May 15 2012
The European Commission and the High Representative of the Union
for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy published on 15 May 2012 the
annual "neighbourhood package", consisting of a joint communication
("Delivering on the new European Neighbourhood Policy") making
an assessment of the first year of implementation of the new ENP
adopted in 2011, a separate joint communication proposing an "Eastern
Partnership Road Map", a report on the "Partnership for Democracy and
Shared prosperity" with Southern Mediterranean (including a roadmap
for future action), an Eastern Partnership progress report, 12 country
reports (on developments in 2011 and with a set of recommendations
for the future), including one on Armenia, and a statistical annex.
Within the Eastern Partnership, the negotiations for an EU-Armenia
Association Agreement (AA) progressed at a good pace. Armenia made
substantial progress in implementing the "key recommendations" allowing
for the launching of negotiations on a Deep and Comprehensive Free
Trade Area (DCFTA). Overall, Armenia made good progress in the areas
of Democracy and Human Rights.
On the basis of this year's report and with a view to sustained
implementation of the ENP Action Plan in 2012, Armenia is invited to:
Ahead of the upcoming presidential elections scheduled in 2013,
address the shortcomings identified by OSCE/ODIHR concerning the
May 2012 Parliamentary elections, in order to fully meet recognized
international democratic standards Step up efforts with Azerbaijan
to reach agreement on the Madrid Principles in accordance with the
commitments made by the Presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan in the
framework of the Minsk Group.
Provide unconditional access for representatives of the EU to Nagorno
Karabakh and surrounding regions.
Fully investigate the deaths that occurred during the clashes of
March 2008 and the allegations of ill-treatment in police custody
and violation of due process.
Ensure finalisation and implementation of the National Human Rights
Strategy and Action Plan.
Adopt amendments to the legislation on broadcasting in compliance
with the recommendations of the OSCE and the Council of Europe,
and ensure pluralism in the broadcasting media.
Finalise the draft law on Conscience and Religious Freedoms, in
line with international standards as well as the legislation on
alternative civilian service, in conformity with Venice Commission
and OSCE recommendations.
Adopt comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation, including further
steps leading to the harmonisation of legislation with the EU acquis
in the areas of gender equality and non-discrimination.
Strengthen enforcement of the Anti-Corruption Strategy and boost
capacity for combating corruption.
Strengthen the implementation of the reform agenda presented by
the Armenian authorities, including measures to reform public
administration and the judicial sector (especially increase the
independence of the judiciary, improve the training of judges, review
the code of criminal procedure, pursue the Police Reform Programme).
Continue to advance sectoral reforms and regulatory approximation to
the EU acquis in trade and trade-related areas based on the key and
additional recommendations identified in the preparation for the DCFTA.
Work towards the earliest possible closure of the Medzamor Nuclear
Power Plant and adopt a detailed decommissioning plan for this plant,
taking into account the result of stress tests.
Political dialogue and reform In the area of deep and sustainable
democracy, positive steps were taken to prepare the country
for upcoming elections, with changes in the electoral code and a
presidential amnesty for the remaining persons detained for charges
related to the March 2008 events. There are however concerns about
media freedom relating to the limitations on TV broadcasting and
to suits for insult and defamation. Significant restrictions to the
freedom of assembly and association remain.
Despite a strong reform effort, public trust in the judiciary continues
to be low, and perception of corruption high.
Civilian control over the security forces is effective. Despite
information about incident being published by the Ministry of Defence,
impunity for human rights violations committed by members of the
security forces is a matter of concern.
No significant progress occurred in the area of freedom of religion
and belief. The alternative civilian service continues to remain
a problem in 2011 both in legislation and practice. The government
was active in strengthening the legal framework to ensure children's
rights and gender equality. As regards civil society, registration
requirements for non governmental organizations (NGOs) are cumbersome
and time-consuming, while labour organisations are weak and relatively
inactive in practice.
The National Preventive Mechanism under the Optional Protocol to the
UN Convention against Torture should be further strengthened. Cases
of torture and ill treatment among military conscripts, in prison
facilities and police stations are not adequately investigated.
Negotiations on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict within the Minsk Group
led to no tangible results in 2011. Amidst increasing tension along
the Line of Contact, mediation efforts resulted in marginal progress
on the investigation of the violation of the ceasefire agreement.
Economic and social reform As the authorities maintained prudent
macroeconomic policies and introduced several structural reforms,
Armenia showed encouraging signs of recovery (4.6% growth rate in 2011)
after the severe recession that resulted from the international crisis
in 2009.
The economy was supported by an IMF financing arrangement and
exceptional donor assistance, including Macro-Financial Assistance
from the EU worth EUR 100 million.
Armenia continued to progress towards meeting the objectives of the
Action Plan in the area of macroeconomic policy, poverty reduction
and social cohesion. Longer-term growth prospects are very uncertain
due to lack of diversification, low competitiveness and closed borders
with two out of four Armenia's neighbour countries.
In 2011, 6 % of the population was unemployed and 36% was below the
poverty line. The implementation of Armenia's Sustainable Development
Programme on poverty reduction 2008-2021 continued to be suspended
in 2011.
Trade-related issues, market and regulatory reform Bilateral trade
continued to improve in 2011 from the 2009 slowdown with 18.2%
increase year-on-year. EU exports to Armenia increased by 15.7%,
while EU imports from Armenia increased by 23.3%.
Armenia made substantial progress in implementing the "key
recommendations" for the launching of negotiations on a Deep
and Comprehensive Free Trade Area, in particular legislative and
institutional reforms in the areas of Technical Barriers to Trade,
Sanitary and Phytosanitary Standards and Intellectual Property Rights.
It adopted for example a food safety strategy.
23 laws were adopted between February and April with the aim of
improving business climate and to facilitate company establishment.
Cooperation on justice, freedom and security Following adoption of
the 2010 Border Security and Border Management Strategy 2011-2015,
Armenia approved an implementation Action Plan in April. A National
Action Plan 2012-2016 for the implementation of the Concept for the
Policy of State Regulation of Migration was adopted in November.
Directives for the negotiation between the EU and Armenia of visa
facilitation and readmission agreements were adopted by the EU in
December and were launched on 27th February 2012. In October 2011, the
EU-Armenia Mobility Partnership was established, proposing cooperation
in four major areas (mobility, legal migration and integration;
migration and development; fight against irregular immigration;
asylum and international protection).
Armenia adopted national strategy and programmes or legislative
amendments to improve effectiveness of the fight against organised
crime, terrorism, drug trafficking, money laundering and trafficking
in human beings.
Transport, energy, environment, the information society, research and
development Transport: Armenia continued to implement its 2009-2020
transport strategy. In July, Armenia became a full member of the
Organisation for International Carriage by Rail.
Energy: Armenia started updating its energy strategy and adopted a
renewable energy roadmap. The EU continues to request the closure
of Medzamor Nuclear Power Plant as soon as possible, as it cannot be
upgraded to meet internationally recognised nuclear safety standards.
Armenia expressed readiness to undertake with the EU a comprehensive
risk and safety assessment of the plant, taking account of EU
standards. Armenia became observer of the Energy Community.
Climate change: The government adopted a five year action plan for
the implementation of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change
(UNFCCC). Armenia is encouraged to engage in the new carbon market
mechanism to be developed following the UNFCCC COP 17, as well as to
fully implement the Cancun and Durban agreements.
Environment: Armenia started preparing a new environment action
plan post 2012. The Regional Environmental Centre for the Caucasus
continued its activities in 2011; its founders want to see its role
enhanced in the years to come and tried to find a solution to its debt
problem Research and innovation: Armenia continued to increase the
number of applications to the 7th Framework Programme (24 research
organisations involved in 22 projects).
People-to-people contacts, education and health Education: Higher
education reform continued to benefit from EU-Armenia cooperation and
support via the Tempus IV programme (two additional projects), the
Erasmus Mundus programme (49 scholarships and mobility grants), the
Marie Curie scheme (seven institutions and six individual researchers)
and the Jean Monnet programme (one module awarded to Yerevan State
University).
Culture: Armenia participated in four projects under the 2010 Special
Action for ENP countries under the Culture Programme. The Youth
Parliament of the Armenian National Assembly started its work in May
2011. Youth organisations continued benefitting from the exchange
opportunities under the Youth in Action programme (380 participants).
Health: Reform continued with a view to improving, within the limited
available financial means, access to, availability of and quality
of health care services. Special attention was paid to address the
burden of tuberculosis.
EU-Armenia - BACKGROUND THE POLICY The European Neighbourhood Policy
governs the relations between the EU and Armenia. Since 2009 the EU
implements the Eastern Partnership, the Eastern dimension of the ENP
framework, aiming at substantially upgrading engagement with the six
Eastern neighbours via:
- a Bilateral track, whose objectives include the establishing of
Association Agreements with Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Areas,
once conditions have been met, as well as progress on visa and mobility
issues, and
- a Multilateral track (i.e. intergovernmental platforms and Flagship
Initiatives).
This approach allows for gradual political association and deeper
economic integration.
FACTS AND FIGURES 1999: Entry into force of the EU-Armenia Partnership
and Cooperation Agreement.
2006: Approval of the EU-Armenia Action Plan.
2009: EU Advisory Group to Armenia (financed by the EU) started its
activities with the aim of supporting the Armenian authorities in
the implementation of the key areas of the ENP Action Plan
2009: Neighbourhood Investment Facility committed EUR 14.6 million in
grants and technical assistance for two projects in the transport
sector. Armenia is also eligible for three regional projects,
committing EUR 24 million in the energy and financial sectors
2007-2010: The ENPI1 envelope for Armenia stands at EUR 98.4 million
2011-2013: The new National Indicative Programme (NIP) 2011-13 for
Armenia was adopted in March 2010 and has a budget of EUR 157.3
million. The programme is geared towards supporting the achievement
of key policy objectives as outlined in the EU-Armenia Action Plan
and pursues three priorities: (1) democratic structures and good
governance, (2) trade and investment; regulatory alignment and reform,
and (3) socio-economic reform and sustainable development.
2011: Establishment of the EU-Armenia Mobility Partnership.
2011: Armenia became observer of the Energy Community.
More info at: http://ec.europa.eu/world/enp/documents_en.htm
http://eeas.europa.eu/armenia/index_en.htm
http://eeas.europa.eu/enp/index_en.htm
1 :
the European Neighbourhood Partnership Instrument