Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 November 2017
117. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which positive relations continue to be generated between the EU and Armenia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48675/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe European Union continues to have positive relations with Armenia. Armenia participates in the EU’s Eastern Partnership initiative which provides a framework for co-operation with the six countries of Eastern Europe and the Caucasus region. Armenia has worked with the EU and the other Eastern Partners to develop concrete proposals for the period up to 2020, captured in the document “Eastern Partnership - 20 Deliverables for 2020" which will be adopted at the Eastern Partnership Summit on 24 November. Armenia receives considerable funding from the EU, with up to €170 million allocated for the period 2014-2017. This is focused on supporting private sector development and driving reforms in the areas of public administration and justice.
In December 2015, negotiations began on a framework agreement between the EU and Armenia covering political, economic and sectoral cooperation. This will replace the current EU-Armenia Partnership and Cooperation Agreement which dates from 1999. The text of the Agreement was initialed on 21 March 2017 and is expected to be signed in the coming weeks.
