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Traian Hristea: DCFTA does not preclude Armenia to develop its
economic relations with any other third party
ArmInfo's interview with Head of the EU Delegation to Armenia,
Ambassador Traian Hristea. The interview was given before Armenian
President Serzh Sargsyan said that Armenia is ready to join the
Customs Union, but it is still topical.
by Marianna Lazarian
http://www.arminfo.am/index.cfm?objectid=13675870-17BB-11E3-9C1B0EB7C0D21663
Saturday, September 7, 16:43
Mr. Hristea, Armenia and the EU are expected to sign an Association
Agreement at the Eastern Partnership Summit in Vilnius in November
2013. What will be the next step of the Armenia-EU cooperation?
The EU and Armenia are expected to initial the Association Agreement
at the Eastern Partnership Summit in Vilnius in November 2013. Please
note this is not the same as signature. Initialling is a technical
step that confirms the agreement of both sides on substance.
To sign the Agreement, several procedural steps are necessary, among
them translation of the text in all the EU languages, and the Council
has to authorise the signature for the EU. This is an ambitious
agreement, it is therefore legally complex and the EU is now a Union
of 28 member states. Procedures do take time for all these reasons.
The EU hopes to provisionally apply parts of the Agreement (especially
the trade part) as soon as possible after the signing, before full
ratification procedures are completed. We want Armenia to benefit from
the agreement as soon as possible.
What projects is the European Union currently implementing in Armenia
and how effective are they?
Within the framework of the Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument
(ENPI), the 2011-2013 National Indicative Programme (NIP) put 157
million at the disposal of Armenia to conduct a number of reforms in 3
main areas: Democratic structures and good governance; Trade,
investment and regulatory alignment; Socio-economic reform and
sustainable development.
In partnership with the Government as well as civil society, a number
of EU-funded projects are being implemented or have been recently
implemented in the following main areas:
1. Trade and DCFTA (Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area):
- The EU Advisory Group has successfully supported the DCFTA
negotiating team on the Armenian side which resulted in the
negotiations to be successfully concluded in a record time;
- Three successive Budget Support programmes in support of DCFTA
policy areas for a total amount of 69 million have started;
- The Comprehensive Institution Building (CIB) programme (33 million)
is supporting a number of Armenian public institutions through
technical assistance and Twinning projects in the areas of
Competition, Customs, Food safety, Consumer protection and
Intellectual Property Rights. These projects have brought forward
approximation to EU standards as well as institution building's best
practices.
2. Justice:
A first phase of support to Justice Reforms (20 million in Budget
Support) has been successfully completed with the following results:
adoption of a Justice Reform Strategy 2012-2016, improvements in the
areas of independence of justice and corruption, access to justice,
advocacy and educational institutions (e.g. School of Advocates and
Justice School) as well as financial support to building and
renovation of court buildings (also supported by the World Bank).
A second Budget Support programme (29 million) is being discussed
with the Government at the moment with the specific aim to address the
independence of judges, to increase the quality of services to the
general public as well as to introduce alternative punishment systems
(in cooperation with the Council of Europe) and improvement of
detention conditions.
3. Elections:
- A project in support of elections in Armenia in 2012 and 2013
started in February 2012 to improve the technical and professional
capacities of election commissions, improve voter's lists, build
capacity among civil society for professional domestic observation as
well as raise awareness of electoral rights and procedures. The
project is implemented by OSCE and a number of civil society
organisations through a contribution agreement. A project in support
of women's active participation in local elections started in April
2012, implemented by UNDP to encourage women's meaningful
participation in decision making and engage in a constructive dialogue
on gender with media and civil society.
4. Vocational Education Training (VET):
Our ongoing sector budget support programme (15 million) is achieving
good results. The support is now based on the Government's `VET
Reforms Programme and Action Plan 2012-2015' aiming to align the
Armenian VET system with the European professional standards, increase
the efficiency of the VET system, and further develop social
partnership in VET. Furthermore, the adoption of the National
Employment Strategy for 2013-2018, supported by the EU, clearly sets
the direction for linking the results of the VET reforms to the
changing requirements of the labour market.
5. Support to civil society and media:
- Two programmes for almost 3 million in support to civil society are
being launched ("Civil Society Facility" and "Support to good
governance and media"). They aim at strengthening the capacity of
Civil Society to intervene in policy formulation by better engaging in
policy dialogue with the government, public institutions and bodies.
They also aim at improving professionalism of media outlets towards
establishment of free and pluralistic media, as an instrument of
achieving good governance outcomes.
6. Infrastructure projects with the support of the Neighbourhood
Investment Fund (NIF), EIB and EBRD:
- Several ongoing projects include Metro Rehabilitation Project Phase
I and Phase II with two NIF grants of 5 million, Armenian Small
Municipalities Water Project with 7 million NIF grant, Kotayk Solid
Waste Management, which has been put on hold in anticipation of the
solid waste management strategy, Modernization of Bagratashen, Bavra
and Gogavan Border Crossing Points (MBBG) with a grant of 12 million,
North-South Corridor with another grant of 12 million, and Yerevan
Water with 5.5 million.
In its annual report for 2012, the European Union stressed the need to
decommission the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant. What alternative to
decommissioning of the nuclear plant could the EU offer to Armenia?
The EU continues to request the earliest possible closure of Medzamor
nuclear power plant (NPP), as it cannot be upgraded to meet
internationally recognised nuclear safety standards. It is a matter of
concern that Armenia has not yet drawn up a detailed decommissioning
plan for Medzamor. Following the Fukushima nuclear accident, Armenia
undertook with the EU a comprehensive risk and safety assessment
(`nuclear stress test') of the plant, the report of which will have to
be submitted soon.
The EU offers to Armenia support along with other development partners
to the development of alternative and renewable energy and improve
energy efficiency, notably through Programme such as INOGATE or other
major projects funded by the Neighbourhood Investment Facility (NIF).
How effective are the on-going reforms in the system of justice in
Armenia? What flaws could you point at?
The Government of Armenia initiated a large-scale reform in the sphere
of justice that already resulted in some improvements, particularly
improvement of the implementation of court orders, ensuring
transparency of transactions by implementing a comprehensive
statistical system, providing a better service to the population and
improve access to the justice system.
Nonetheless, there is still substantial work to be done to restore the
trust of the population towards the courts and judges and the European
Union is currently discussing with the Government and civil society a
new Budget Support programme to further support progress in this
sector in order to improve the situation (particularly if we look to
indexes such as Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions
Index for Armenia), and address other concerns such as those related
to the independence of judges, as evidenced by an EU - Council of
Europe analysis of judicial reforms in Eastern Partnership countries
(seehttp://www.coe.int/t/dghl/cooperation/capacitybuilding/source/judic_reform/Project_report_final.pdf),
strict application of the law and court rulings or detention
conditions in prisons. In this respect capacity of law enforcement
bodies need to be developed.
The European Union will therefore support the Government in the
following priority actions:
- Introduction and implementation of clear-cut judicial independence
and anti-corruption programmes;
- Efficiency and accessibility of the justice sector by improving
cooperation between all the stakeholders, by setting up proper
training for advocates, judges and prosecutors and by increasing the
quality of the judicial process in the first instance courts;
- Revision of the Criminal Code and promotion of alternative
punishment systems to decrease the level of incarcerated persons in
line with international standards; improving detention conditions;
- Increasing the quality of services to the public and businesses in
the areas of arbitration, notarisation and civil registration;
Nowadays Armenia is often urged to choose between the Eurasian Union
and the European Union. Do you think Armenia can participate in the
two integration projects simultaneously? If not, then what do you
think might hinder it?
In general, there is no conflict between increasing links with the EU
and links with the Russian Federation and organisations in which the
Russia plays an important role. Armenia can freely participate in the
CIS multilateral free trade agreement and at the same time to conclude
negotiations on the Association Agreement with the EU.
At the same time, we have to make a distinction between Free trade
agreements and a Customs Union. Within any Customs Union, a country
surrenders its sovereignty over its trade policy, including the
management of its import duties, and other elements, such as
regulatory framework.
We have said on numerous occasions that the DCFTA does not preclude
Armenia to develop its economic relations with any other third party
and we understand the importance of other markets than the EU for
Armenia's trade. There is nothing wrong in seeking an establishment of
close trade and economic relations between Armenia and the Customs
Union.
Azerbaijan has repeatedly expressed its desire to change the format of
the OSCE Minsk Group, which, it says, has run its course. What do you
think of this initiative? Is the European Union ready to become a
mediator in the Karabakh peace process?
The European Union is not party to the official mediation efforts on
the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The EU supports the OSCE Minsk Group
Co-Chairs, namely France, Russia and the USA in their efforts to help
the parties find a solution.
In support of efforts towards peace, the EU conducts regular political
dialogue with both partner countries, and has also appointed the EU
Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the crisis in
Georgia, Ambassador Phillipe Lefort.
The EU stands ready to provide enhanced support for confidence
building measures, in support of and in full complementarity with the
Minsk Group, with a view to facilitating further steps towards the
implementation of peace
From: Baghdasarian
economic relations with any other third party
ArmInfo's interview with Head of the EU Delegation to Armenia,
Ambassador Traian Hristea. The interview was given before Armenian
President Serzh Sargsyan said that Armenia is ready to join the
Customs Union, but it is still topical.
by Marianna Lazarian
http://www.arminfo.am/index.cfm?objectid=13675870-17BB-11E3-9C1B0EB7C0D21663
Saturday, September 7, 16:43
Mr. Hristea, Armenia and the EU are expected to sign an Association
Agreement at the Eastern Partnership Summit in Vilnius in November
2013. What will be the next step of the Armenia-EU cooperation?
The EU and Armenia are expected to initial the Association Agreement
at the Eastern Partnership Summit in Vilnius in November 2013. Please
note this is not the same as signature. Initialling is a technical
step that confirms the agreement of both sides on substance.
To sign the Agreement, several procedural steps are necessary, among
them translation of the text in all the EU languages, and the Council
has to authorise the signature for the EU. This is an ambitious
agreement, it is therefore legally complex and the EU is now a Union
of 28 member states. Procedures do take time for all these reasons.
The EU hopes to provisionally apply parts of the Agreement (especially
the trade part) as soon as possible after the signing, before full
ratification procedures are completed. We want Armenia to benefit from
the agreement as soon as possible.
What projects is the European Union currently implementing in Armenia
and how effective are they?
Within the framework of the Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument
(ENPI), the 2011-2013 National Indicative Programme (NIP) put 157
million at the disposal of Armenia to conduct a number of reforms in 3
main areas: Democratic structures and good governance; Trade,
investment and regulatory alignment; Socio-economic reform and
sustainable development.
In partnership with the Government as well as civil society, a number
of EU-funded projects are being implemented or have been recently
implemented in the following main areas:
1. Trade and DCFTA (Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area):
- The EU Advisory Group has successfully supported the DCFTA
negotiating team on the Armenian side which resulted in the
negotiations to be successfully concluded in a record time;
- Three successive Budget Support programmes in support of DCFTA
policy areas for a total amount of 69 million have started;
- The Comprehensive Institution Building (CIB) programme (33 million)
is supporting a number of Armenian public institutions through
technical assistance and Twinning projects in the areas of
Competition, Customs, Food safety, Consumer protection and
Intellectual Property Rights. These projects have brought forward
approximation to EU standards as well as institution building's best
practices.
2. Justice:
A first phase of support to Justice Reforms (20 million in Budget
Support) has been successfully completed with the following results:
adoption of a Justice Reform Strategy 2012-2016, improvements in the
areas of independence of justice and corruption, access to justice,
advocacy and educational institutions (e.g. School of Advocates and
Justice School) as well as financial support to building and
renovation of court buildings (also supported by the World Bank).
A second Budget Support programme (29 million) is being discussed
with the Government at the moment with the specific aim to address the
independence of judges, to increase the quality of services to the
general public as well as to introduce alternative punishment systems
(in cooperation with the Council of Europe) and improvement of
detention conditions.
3. Elections:
- A project in support of elections in Armenia in 2012 and 2013
started in February 2012 to improve the technical and professional
capacities of election commissions, improve voter's lists, build
capacity among civil society for professional domestic observation as
well as raise awareness of electoral rights and procedures. The
project is implemented by OSCE and a number of civil society
organisations through a contribution agreement. A project in support
of women's active participation in local elections started in April
2012, implemented by UNDP to encourage women's meaningful
participation in decision making and engage in a constructive dialogue
on gender with media and civil society.
4. Vocational Education Training (VET):
Our ongoing sector budget support programme (15 million) is achieving
good results. The support is now based on the Government's `VET
Reforms Programme and Action Plan 2012-2015' aiming to align the
Armenian VET system with the European professional standards, increase
the efficiency of the VET system, and further develop social
partnership in VET. Furthermore, the adoption of the National
Employment Strategy for 2013-2018, supported by the EU, clearly sets
the direction for linking the results of the VET reforms to the
changing requirements of the labour market.
5. Support to civil society and media:
- Two programmes for almost 3 million in support to civil society are
being launched ("Civil Society Facility" and "Support to good
governance and media"). They aim at strengthening the capacity of
Civil Society to intervene in policy formulation by better engaging in
policy dialogue with the government, public institutions and bodies.
They also aim at improving professionalism of media outlets towards
establishment of free and pluralistic media, as an instrument of
achieving good governance outcomes.
6. Infrastructure projects with the support of the Neighbourhood
Investment Fund (NIF), EIB and EBRD:
- Several ongoing projects include Metro Rehabilitation Project Phase
I and Phase II with two NIF grants of 5 million, Armenian Small
Municipalities Water Project with 7 million NIF grant, Kotayk Solid
Waste Management, which has been put on hold in anticipation of the
solid waste management strategy, Modernization of Bagratashen, Bavra
and Gogavan Border Crossing Points (MBBG) with a grant of 12 million,
North-South Corridor with another grant of 12 million, and Yerevan
Water with 5.5 million.
In its annual report for 2012, the European Union stressed the need to
decommission the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant. What alternative to
decommissioning of the nuclear plant could the EU offer to Armenia?
The EU continues to request the earliest possible closure of Medzamor
nuclear power plant (NPP), as it cannot be upgraded to meet
internationally recognised nuclear safety standards. It is a matter of
concern that Armenia has not yet drawn up a detailed decommissioning
plan for Medzamor. Following the Fukushima nuclear accident, Armenia
undertook with the EU a comprehensive risk and safety assessment
(`nuclear stress test') of the plant, the report of which will have to
be submitted soon.
The EU offers to Armenia support along with other development partners
to the development of alternative and renewable energy and improve
energy efficiency, notably through Programme such as INOGATE or other
major projects funded by the Neighbourhood Investment Facility (NIF).
How effective are the on-going reforms in the system of justice in
Armenia? What flaws could you point at?
The Government of Armenia initiated a large-scale reform in the sphere
of justice that already resulted in some improvements, particularly
improvement of the implementation of court orders, ensuring
transparency of transactions by implementing a comprehensive
statistical system, providing a better service to the population and
improve access to the justice system.
Nonetheless, there is still substantial work to be done to restore the
trust of the population towards the courts and judges and the European
Union is currently discussing with the Government and civil society a
new Budget Support programme to further support progress in this
sector in order to improve the situation (particularly if we look to
indexes such as Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions
Index for Armenia), and address other concerns such as those related
to the independence of judges, as evidenced by an EU - Council of
Europe analysis of judicial reforms in Eastern Partnership countries
(seehttp://www.coe.int/t/dghl/cooperation/capacitybuilding/source/judic_reform/Project_report_final.pdf),
strict application of the law and court rulings or detention
conditions in prisons. In this respect capacity of law enforcement
bodies need to be developed.
The European Union will therefore support the Government in the
following priority actions:
- Introduction and implementation of clear-cut judicial independence
and anti-corruption programmes;
- Efficiency and accessibility of the justice sector by improving
cooperation between all the stakeholders, by setting up proper
training for advocates, judges and prosecutors and by increasing the
quality of the judicial process in the first instance courts;
- Revision of the Criminal Code and promotion of alternative
punishment systems to decrease the level of incarcerated persons in
line with international standards; improving detention conditions;
- Increasing the quality of services to the public and businesses in
the areas of arbitration, notarisation and civil registration;
Nowadays Armenia is often urged to choose between the Eurasian Union
and the European Union. Do you think Armenia can participate in the
two integration projects simultaneously? If not, then what do you
think might hinder it?
In general, there is no conflict between increasing links with the EU
and links with the Russian Federation and organisations in which the
Russia plays an important role. Armenia can freely participate in the
CIS multilateral free trade agreement and at the same time to conclude
negotiations on the Association Agreement with the EU.
At the same time, we have to make a distinction between Free trade
agreements and a Customs Union. Within any Customs Union, a country
surrenders its sovereignty over its trade policy, including the
management of its import duties, and other elements, such as
regulatory framework.
We have said on numerous occasions that the DCFTA does not preclude
Armenia to develop its economic relations with any other third party
and we understand the importance of other markets than the EU for
Armenia's trade. There is nothing wrong in seeking an establishment of
close trade and economic relations between Armenia and the Customs
Union.
Azerbaijan has repeatedly expressed its desire to change the format of
the OSCE Minsk Group, which, it says, has run its course. What do you
think of this initiative? Is the European Union ready to become a
mediator in the Karabakh peace process?
The European Union is not party to the official mediation efforts on
the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The EU supports the OSCE Minsk Group
Co-Chairs, namely France, Russia and the USA in their efforts to help
the parties find a solution.
In support of efforts towards peace, the EU conducts regular political
dialogue with both partner countries, and has also appointed the EU
Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the crisis in
Georgia, Ambassador Phillipe Lefort.
The EU stands ready to provide enhanced support for confidence
building measures, in support of and in full complementarity with the
Minsk Group, with a view to facilitating further steps towards the
implementation of peace
From: Baghdasarian