ArmInfo.Armenia will join the Black Sea Basin. Interreg Next program. At a meeting on June 20, the Government of the Republic of Armenia approved for signing an agreement with Romania and the European Commission on cooperation for 2021-20027.
As noted in the project rationale, the goal of the program is to promote long-term cross-border cooperation between the countries of the Black Sea basin in the direction of developing a green economy, environmental protection, territorial development, and the introduction and use of innovative technologies. The total budget of the project is 72,275,137 euros, and Armenia's participation in it will be in the form of allocations for the payment of salaries of relevant employees of government agencies participating in the program.
The project is of a framework nature, covering the countries of the Black Sea region - Armenia, Georgia, Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, Turkey, Ukraine and Moldova, with which separate financing agreements will be signed. Grant funds will also be used to finance individual projects in countries in the region. The project plans to develop and expand research and innovation potential using advanced technologies, apply approaches aimed at adapting to climate change, preventing the risk of natural disasters and preserving ecosystems. In addition, the program plans to strengthen the protection and conservation of nature, biodiversity and green infrastructure by reducing all types of pollution.
Beneficiaries of the program can be state, regional and local governments, foundations, non-governmental organizations, chambers of commerce, academic and educational institutions, cultural and archaeological associations. Armenia has been participating in the cross-border cooperation program of the Black Sea countries since 2007. Within the framework of the European Neighborhood and Partnership Instrument for 2007-2013, as well as within the framework of the European Neighborhood Instrument in 2014-2020, 38 projects were implemented by consortia formed with the participation of Armenian beneficiaries.