September 27, 2012 - 16:42 AMT
EU will allocate €43 mln to Armenian government – official

The EU will allocate €43 mln. to boost Armenian government’s capacities, European Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighborhood Policy said.

As Stefan Füle told a joint press briefing with Armenian Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan, two financial agreements had been signed with the RA government to foster the country’s economic integration to the EU.

Mr. Füle hailed the positive changes recorded in Armenia, assessed by the EU at additional €15 mln agreed in the European Neighborhood Policy program.

“Hope, the negotiating team has no doubts over the EU’s readiness to support Armenia on its way to European integration,” he said.

The EU official further stressed Visa Facilitation/Readmission Agreement, Association Agreement including the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement among Armenia’s achievements.

Prime Minister Sargsyan, in turn, thanked the European Commissioner and the EU for the financial and technical assistance offered.

“Mr. Füle’s visit gives us an opportunity to assess our strong and weak suits and specify our further steps,” Prime Minister Sargsyan said, adding that the EU assistance and agreements signed will boost RA government’s opportunities in terms of infrastructure development, solution to sanitary and phytosanitary problems, legislative and democratic reforms.

Prime Minister Sargsyan further voiced confidence that Füle’s visit will give fresh impetus to Armenia’s integration to the EU.