ArmInfo.Considering the directions proposed by the European Union for investing the provided financial resources, it becomes clear that one of the main goals of this support program is to turn Armenia into a transit country. Head of the Analytical Centre on Globalization and Regional Cooperation (ACGRC) Stepan Grigoryan expressed this opinion to ArmInfo.
"The direction of these programs is quite clearly manifested: to stimulate the socio-economic development of Armenia, support the completion of the construction of the North-South transport corridor, the development of the south of the country in general. Thus, by stimulating the development of the communication component of our economy, the European Union gives Armenia the opportunity to become a transit country, with all the attendant and resulting benefits and opportunities, "he said.
Being in Armenia on Friday, Oliver Varhelyi , the EU Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, announced the intention of Brussels to increase the package of financial assistance to Armenia from 1.5 to 2.6 billion euros. It is assumed that the provided financing will go to the implementation of five priority programs in order to achieve economic growth, generate employment, and support the economic development of Armenia. The funds will be directed to support SMEs, to promote socio-economic development and the development of communications, the construction of the North-South highway, in the field of information technology, strengthening the southern regions of Armenia, in general.
In general, the political scientist considers the 5 points of the EU support program as closely intertwined, interconnected and aimed at the overall development of the country in accordance with the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement concluded between Armenia and the EU. At the same time, he considers it important that Brussels is ready to increase funding for the implementation of these programs from 1.5 to 2.6 billion euros, especially taking into account the emergence of new security problems in Armenia.
In this light, Grigoryan stressed that, for example, by generating new jobs in the southern regions of the country, it will be possible to keep people from labor or even permanent migration. The construction of new roads and communications, separating the population of Syunik from the newly-born neighbors - Azerbaijanis, will significantly reduce the level of tension in the region as a whole. Communications far from the border with Azerbaijan, in his opinion, will make the local population feel safe in the first place. And only then they will ensure the safety of movement for the rest of the citizens of the country.
"I can state that there simply could not be a better period for providing such friendly assistance. Our country is really in a very difficult situation today. It is also clear that all these programs were approved in close cooperation with the Armenian government. And it was its calls that played a significant role in the fact that this support, so important for all of us, was provided right now. Moreover, I hope that EU assistance will become a message to some countries that, at first glance, should be the first to support Armenia. And this will find its practical expression, " Grigoryan summed up.