ArmInfo. The EU intends to provide Armenia with 1.5 billion euros for the implementation by 2025 of 5 key programs related to the development of small and medium-sized businesses, stimulating the socio-economic state of the Republic of Armenia, investments in science, IT, etc. This is stated in the document on EU initiatives in the Eastern Partnerships>, which was presented on July 2 in Brussels.
According to the source, within the framework of the first program, the EU intends to allocate 500 million euros for 300 small and medium-sized businesses in Armenia who work with environmental technologies, especially in regions of the country. Women entrepreneurs will also be beneficiaries of the program. The second program will assist the social and economic development and communications of Armenia. The source noted that the priority for Armenia is the operation of the North-South transport corridor, which will provide an opportunity to enter international markets and directions. Under this program, the EU will allocate 600 million euros, which will also be used for the construction of the Sisian-Kajaran tunnel. The third program is intended to support innovative technologies and science, for which 300 million euros will be provided. The source notes that the IT sector is growing by an average of 20% annually, however, in order to fully unleash the potential in this industry, the EU sees the need for additional support. The fourth program is connected with the strengthening of the resistance of the southern regions of Armenia, in this connection it was noted that the Syunik region needs special support. In this regard, the EU intends to provide 80 million euros for the development of housing construction, infrastructures, tourism, agriculture, education, health care, renewable energy sources in Syunik and to promote local small and medium-sized businesses.
And the final program concerns the capital, namely the Green Yerevan project. In particular, the EU is ready to assist in the import of "green buses", which will not do much harm to the environment of the capital, and will improve and modernize public transport. The agenda also includes improving the quality of life, including a number of programs aimed at waste management and recycling in Yerevan. In total, up to 120 million euros will be allocated for the implementation of these goals. At the same time, the document notes that when the opportunity arises, the European Union is ready to support the post-war reconstruction of the South Caucasus, the transformation of the conflict, including the demining of war-torn territories, socio-economic development and strengthening of peace.
