Piotr Switalski: EU Special Fund increases support for Armenia, and  this is a political signal

ArmInfo. In 2019, financial  assistance to Armenia from the EU Umbrella Fund will be increased.  This was announced by head of the EU delegation in Armenia,  Ambassador Piotr Switalski on February 26 at a press conference.

According to the ambassador, last year for the first time Armenia  received 10 million euros from this fund.  Then the EU increased its  financial assistance to Armenia by 20-25%. In addition, as the head  of the EU delegation pointed out, membership in this fund is more  important than the money received, since the "Umbrella Fund" is a  political tool, it is proposed in cases where progress towards  political reform is recognized. "Financing from the Umbrella Fund  will increase this year and this is an important political signal  that the EU highly appreciates the progress of Armenia in democratic  and other reforms, including elections," Switalski said.

The EU Ambassador noted that 2019 will be decisive in terms of  defining the obligations of the parties after 2021. The multi-year  financing period will be scheduled for 7 years - after 2021. And if  Armenia moves along the path of reforms and shows the targeted use of  the allocated funds, then, according to the ambassador, one can hope  for a substantial increase in funding.

Today, according to the diplomat, negotiations are being held with  Armenian partners on projects that will contribute to the development  of the country. "The discussion is very constructive, and I hope that  this year Armenia will be able to get more benefits from EU financial  assistance," the Ambassador said