A financing agreement dubbed “EU support for education in Armenia" was signed between the country and the European Commission, under which the bloc will provide budgetary support to Armenia on a grant basis.

The agreement, which entered into force on September 12, 2023, is aimed at increasing the competitiveness of the educational system of Armenia, implementing the educational reforms defined by the 2021-2026 Government program, in particular, the state plan for the development of Armenian education until 2030 and the resulting action plan. The European Commission transferred 5 million euros to the Government in December 2023, and 1.5 million euros in May 2024.

The agreement envisages the creation of renovated and equipped STEM laboratories in all 330 schools of Ararat, Kotayk and Gegharkunik regions of Armenia, as well as the training of teachers using modern methodology, Armenpress reports.

It is also planned to build 13 educational complexes in Syunik region, 7 of them in Kapan, and 6 in Goris. The design budget documents of 13 school-educational complexes of Syunik region have been approved, the construction works of some schools have already started.

In addition to the component of building, renovating, and creating laboratories, the program includes support for improving the national system for evaluating student learning outcomes.

Additional technical assistance will be provided to the ESCS to ensure the effective implementation of the state development plan of Armenian education until 2030 at all levels.