Armenia
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to see examples
of projects
in this country
European Commission assistance to Armenia mainly takes the form of Annual Action Programmes under the European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument (ENPI). Other funding sources are the Instrument for Nuclear Safety Cooperation (INSC) or the thematic assistance programmes, concentrating for example on human rights or civil society.
The EU wants to support the development of an increasingly close relationship with Armenia in the context of the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) and based on the objectives defined in the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) and the EU-Armenia ENP Action Plan.
The European Commission's assistance focuses in particular on strengthening democratic structures and good governance, on support for regulatory reform and administrative capacity building and on poverty reduction.
EU assistance programmes
The Armenian-European Policy and Legal Advice Centre (AEPLAC) was set up with EU funding in order to support the country’s economic, political and social development. Work here embraces the principles set out in the Partnership and Co-operation Agreement (PCA) and ENP Action Plan which outline relations between the EU and Armenia.
The main EU assistance programmes for Armenia target the reduction of poverty through reforms in Vocational Education and Training (VET) (ENPI Annual Action Programme 2007 
) and justice reform (ENPI Annual Action Programme 2008 ).
Armenia also benefits from the Food Security Programme.
Support to education
Funding has also been provided for the participation of Armenia in the TEMPUS Programme for co-operation in higher education. A special "TEMPUS in Armenia" portal has been set up. The Erasmus Mundus External Co-operation Window that promotes the mobility of students and academic staff is a new higher education initiative that began work in 2007.
Supporting the energy sector
The Armenian Ministry of Energy receives Commission assistance for the decommissioning of the ageing Medzamor nuclear plant. Projects range from “on-site assistance” – for example, making sure the plant operates safely until shutdown – to the development of alternatives to nuclear energy, such as hydro-electricity and gas.
Since 1st January 2007, EU assistance in nuclear safety is provided through the Instrument for Nuclear Safety Co-operation (INSC).
Twinning cooperation
In support to the Partnership and Co-operation Agreement between the EC and Armenia which entered into force in 1996 and in line with the EU-Armenian ENP Action Plan endorsed in November 2006, Twinning has been made accessible to Armenia from early 2007, in order to accelerate the process of administrative reform.
Other projects and programmes
The EU contributes to the protection of the environment in the Kura river basin.
The EU finances a project combating torture, ill-treatment and impunity and supports capacity building in the area of migration. It has financed the fight against drug abuse by supporting the South Caucasus Anti-Drug Programme.
The "Reproductive Health Initiative for Youth in the South Caucasus" targets young people aged 15-24, providing sexual and reproductive health (SRH) information and services.
An EU project has established a Chair for European and International Law, as well as a Centre for European Studies, European and International Law at Armenia’s Yerevan State University. The project intends to secure the services of qualified professionals in the field of European legislation, as well as experts in European business, economics and political science.
More information
The European Neighbourhood Policy and the European External Action Service devise the EU's co-operation strategy in Armenia.
Everything about trade relations with this country can be found on the Trade Directorate-General's website.
More information on the EU relations with Armenia is available on the Delegation of the European Union to Armenia website, including a list of EU-funded projects.