ArmInfo. Armenian Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan held a meeting with Vasilis Maragos, Head of the Armenian Affairs Directorate, European Commission Directorate General for Enlargement and Neighborhood Policy, Richard Tibels, Head of the Bilateral Relations Department of the Eastern Partnership of the European External Action Service of Europe, Ambassador Peter Svitsalsky.As the press service of the government reports, welcoming the guests Mher Grigoryan stressed the importance of cooperation with the EU for Armenia.
The Vice Premier presented the priority programs of the government, noting the implementation of infrastructure projects, the development of human capital, the justice system and human rights, economic growth and trade as priority areas on the agenda of the RA Cabinet. He expressed hope for increased cooperation with the EU, which will contribute to the implementation of reforms in these areas.The EU representatives congratulated Grigorian on reappointment to the post of deputy prime minister, noting the importance of consistent development of the formed cooperation, in particular, in the matter of implementing the measures included in the roadmap of the Comprehensive andexpanded partnership between Armenia and the EU (CEPA).During the meeting, the parties agreed on further steps aimed at both implementing CEPA and promoting programs implemented jointly with the EU. The main directions of the upcoming joint programs were also discussed.The agreement on a comprehensive and expanded partnership between Armenia and the EU was signed on November 24, 2017. Since June 1, 2018, it entered into force and today 80% of the provisions of the agreement are in force. The remaining provisions will come into force after ratification of the document by EU member states. This bilateral agreement includes political, economic and sectoral cooperation.
One of the objectives of the agreement is to strengthen the dialogue in all areas of mutual interest, by developing close relations between the parties, supporting the strengthening of democracy and political, economic and institutional stability in the Republic of Armenia, as well as expanding cooperation in trade. The main areas are justice, security, economy, agriculture and infrastructure, environment and climate, consumer protection, migration issues, information society, social policy, education and science, culture, health, territorial development, statistics. The roadmap developed by the RA-EU in connection with CEPA, the Armenian side and already submitted to the European side, consists of two parts: firstly, it includes issues related to trade, and secondly, sectoral cooperation, which covers a number of areas , including transport, energy, environment, taxation, justice, migration, agriculture and consumer protection. This roadmap currently includes only those measures that have already entered into force.