ArmInfo. The decision to grant Armenia an additional 25 million euros is political and reflects the EU's positive assessment of the democratic changes taking place in the country. The head of the EU delegation in Armenia, Ambassador Piotr Switalski told journalists on June 16 touching upon the provision of 25 million euros for the reform of the judicial system. According to him, at present the issue is being discussed with the Government of Armenia in which area these funds will be directed. "This needs to be done quickly, because it is an urgent amount, and these 25 million must be quickly allocated for a specific purpose," he said.
He recalled the words of the head of EU diplomacy Federica Mogherini, that the European Union supports judicial reforms in Armenia, and is ready to provide assistance. "We are awaiting the decision of the government, comprehensive and clear programs and approaches," Switalski said, adding that significant amounts are planned for reforms in the justice system. "This is entirely a government initiative, and we are waiting for it to say how it is going to implement the reform and what assistance it expects from the international community," he explained.
Responding to a question about EU cooperation with the new government of Armenia, the ambassador said: "You want to make me answer as Federica Mogherini:" We have excellent relations with this government, and we are satisfied with our progress on a mutual agenda. "
To note, earlier, Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan, speaking of reforms in the sphere of justice, pointed out that it is impossible to achieve success in the field if the salaries of judges are not increased. According to him, the state funds will be suffiecient for this increase, but the "people" will not understand if today the government increases the salaries of judges. In this issue, according to Pashinyan, Armenia hopes for the assistance of international partners who will finance the increase, and after a few years, when the public sees the "fruits" of the work of a truly independent, fair judicial system, the Armenian government will be ready to pay for the "labor" of representatives of the judiciary system.