Co-President of Euronest Parliamentary Assembly Andrius Kubilius and Gayane Abrahamyan Make Joint Statement
The Co-President of Euronest Parliamentary Assembly, the Head of the European Parliament Delegation Andrius Kubilius and the Head of Armenian Delegation to the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly Gayane Abrahamyan made a joint statement, which referred to the EU assistance for Armenia to mitigate the negative impact of COVID-19 crisis, to protect democracy, the support of the judiciary reforms and other spheres.
The statement notes that the European Union (EU) is a key reform partner and the authors welcome
Armenia’s commitment to implement reforms of judiciary and the police while addressing the impact of COVID-19 crisis.
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“We appreciate the progress made by Armenia in the area of justice reform. We welcome the European Union’s strong commitment to help Armenia to develop the highest standards of judicial system.”
The Heads of the Delegations have stressed that the successful implementation of the comprehensive reforms by Armenia, in areas such as the rule of law, justice and fight against corruption, will create new incentives for an ambitious path towards European integration and the next steps to be taken by Armenia and for further cooperation.
Regarding the crisis created because of COVID-19, the counterparts have noted that the European Union, being the largest donor and partner in Armenia and it stands together with Armenia in a moment of crisis with strong solidarity and international cooperation. Hence, the EU increased its annual average assistance from EUR 40 million to EUR 65 million, as well as the EU has committed to provide over EUR 92 million in grants of bilateral support. The Rapid Response Mechanism has already ensured distribution of humanitarian aid packages to over 3000 vulnerable households, in Shirak, Tavush and Lori regions. Additionally, over 350 school-age children will gain access to distance learning tools ensuring equal access to educational activities organised by their schools.
Andrius Kubilius and Gayane Abrahamyan have noted that the cooperation based on the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the European Union is growing into an enhanced and strategically reinforced partnership between Armenia and the European Union. Stressing the effective implementation of the Armenia-EU Visa Facilitation and Readmission Agreements, the Heads of the Delegations have expressed hope that the launch of the Visa Liberalization Dialogue (VLD) shall be the next milestone to closer cooperation and increased mobility in the near future.
NA RA