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The European Neighbourhood Partnership Instrument
for the Republic of Armenia
European Union Advisory Group to the Republic of Armenia
Annual Progress Report 2011 01 March - 31 December 2011
The project is financed by the European Union The project is implemented by United Nations Development Programme
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The contents of this document are the sole responsibility of the EU Advisory Group and can in no way be
taken to reflect the views of the European Union.
LIST OF CONTENTS
I. LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS ........................................................................................................ 3
II. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ............................................................................................................ 5
III. INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................ 6
IV. JUSTICE, LIBERTY AND SECURITY ......................................................................................... 6
1. Justice and National Security ....................................................................................................... 6
2. Law Enforcement ........................................................................................................................ 7
3. Migration ..................................................................................................................................... 7
4. Integrated Border Management ................................................................................................... 8
V. DEMOCRACY AND HUMAN RIGHTS ........................................................................................ 9
1. Human Rights ............................................................................................................................. 9
2. National Assembly and Prime Minister’s Office .......................................................................... 10
VI. DEEP AND COMPREHENSIVE FREE TRADE AREA .............................................................. 11
1. Trade Policy .............................................................................................................................. 12
2. Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) .............................................................................................. 12
3. Sanitary and Phytosanitary Sector (SPS) ................................................................................... 13
4. Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) ............................................................................................... 13
5. Customs Administration ............................................................................................................. 14
VII. HORIZONTAL ISSUES ............................................................................................................ 15
1. Public Administration Reform ..................................................................................................... 15
2. Diplomatic School ...................................................................................................................... 15
ANNEX 1: LIST OF STAFF ............................................................................................................... 16
ANNEX 2: KEY EVENTS AND MEETINGS ....................................................................................... 20
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I. LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
ANPEPCSF Armenian National Platform of the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum
CRA Customs Reform Agenda
CTP Customs Twinning Programme
CWG Customs Working Group
DHR Democracy and Human Rights
DCFTA Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area
DG SANCO European Commission Directorate General for Health and Consumers
DG TRADE European Commission Directorate General for Trade
EaP Eastern Partnership
EIN European Ideas Network
ENP European Neighbourhood Policy
EP European Parliament
EPP European People's Party
EU European Union
EUAG European Union Advisory Group
EURONEST PA EU-Neighbourhood East Parliamentary Assembly
HRDO Human Rights Defender’s Office
IBM Integrated Border Management
IBM Strategy AP Integrated Border Management Strategy Action Plan
IOM International Organisation for Migration
IPA Intellectual Property Agency
IPR Intellectual Property Rights
IRP Institutional Reform Plan
JLS Justice, Liberty/Freedom and Security
MoA Ministry of Agriculture
MEP Member of European Parliament
MFA Ministry of Foreign Affairs
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MoE Ministry of Economy
MoJ Ministry of Justice
MP Member of Parliament
MS Member States
NA National Assembly
NSC National Security Council
NSS National Security Service
OECD Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
PCC Parliamentary Cooperation Committee
PMO Prime Minister’s Office
QI Quality Infrastructure
RA Republic of Armenia
RA NA National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia
RA PM Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia
SMS State Migration Service
SPS Sanitary and Phytosanitary Issues
SRC State Revenue Committee
SSFS State Service for Food Safety
TAIEX Instrument for Technical Assistance and Information Exchange
TBT Technical Barriers to Trade
VF&RA Visa Facilitation and Readmission Agreements
WTO World Trade Organisation
YPP Young People’s Parliament
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II. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
“The EU Advisory Group will continue to help Armenia change by supporting and accelerating reform
activities prioritised by the Armenian government.” Traian Hristea, EU Ambassador to the Republic of
Armenia, 14 December 2011
In line with the European Neighbourhood Policy Action Plan, the EU Advisory Group supports the Republic
of Armenia in the implementation of its political and economic reform agenda. During 2011, it focused on
supporting the development of legislation, strategies and action plans, bringing them into line with EU
standards. The group provided practical policy advice on the implementation of reforms across sectors as
well as on cross-cutting issues such as public administration and closer integration with the EU.
Furthermore, to help achieve policy reforms, it promoted and assisted with the utilisation of relevant EU
technical assistance and financing instruments.
The activities of the EU Advisory Group contributed to the major milestones reached in EU-Armenia
relations over the past year. In the Justice, Liberty and Security (JLS) sector, the group reviewed how EU
recommendations on JLS reforms were being applied and provided advice on the government’s JLS reform
strategy and action plan. By commenting on the concept for the state regulation of migration and supporting
the introduction of an integrated border management system, the group helped pave the way for an EU-
Armenia Mobility Partnership and the European Union’s decision to launch negotiations on visa facilitation
and readmission agreements.
In terms of the Democracy and Human Rights (DHR) situation in Armenia, the EU Advisory Group assisted
the National Assembly and other political institutions to gradually improve the involvement of civil society in
the political decision making process through public hearings and other EU best practices. The ongoing
integration process of Armenian political parties into their EU political families was supported and led to an
observatory status for three parties in the European People’s Party in February 2012. The Advisory Group
helped to strengthen EU-Armenia dialogue with its parliamentary track, which gave advice to the National
Assembly about enhancing its role in the EURONEST PA. As a result, the head of the Armenian delegation
became co-chair of the EURONEST PA Working Group on Rules of Procedure, together with the head of
the parliamentary delegation from Azerbaijan. By providing clear recommendations on the Human Rights
Protection Strategy and by further building the capacity of the Armenian Human Rights Defender Office, the
group also helped to strengthen the protection of human rights in the country.
Last but not least, the European Union’s decision to launch negotiations towards a Deep and
Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) with Armenia was facilitated by the EU Advisory Group. The
group defined a two phase approach to DFCTA negotiations, which effectively foresaw the need to first
implement a set of pre-negotiation measures before tackling issues more relevant to the negotiations
themselves. Furthermore, it coordinated and provided strategic advice on draft concepts and legislation
related to Armenian quality infrastructure, enforcement of intellectual property rights, food safety and the
customs clearance process.
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III. INTRODUCTION
The European Union is seeking closer relations with the Republic of Armenia – a relationship that, through
increased dialogue, goes beyond current cooperation and moves towards gradual economic integration and
deeper political ties. Ultimately, these efforts could result in Armenia’s participation in European Union
policies and programmes and pave the way for enhancing the living standards and the mobility of Armenian
citizens. To turn this vision into reality, the Armenian government has embarked on a path of reforms – a
process that has been supported by a group of European high-profile advisers since 2009.
Over the past three years, the EU Advisory Group has assisted Armenia in shaping and implementing an
ambitious reform agenda and helped the country to meet international commitments. The group’s
international and national experts provide the Armenian government and other national authorities with
tailored policy advice on legal, democratic, economic and institutional issues. More indirectly, other political
bodies, social partners and civil society organisations, also benefit from this support.
The EUAG ensures that the Armenian authorities have direct access to best practices and reform
experiences from the European Union. It serves to strengthen the policy-making process by helping the
government to consult civil society, formulate policies and ensure effective policy implementation. The
group also assists Armenian institutions by facilitating the effective use of the EU’s Comprehensive
Institution Building (CIB) programme and other tools of technical assistance such as Twinning, TAIEX and
SIGMA. It also contributes to the implementation of the European Neighbourhood Policy Action Plan by
stimulating dialogue between national authorities and the European Commission's services.
Policy advice provided by the EUAG is directed at the following three core areas:
Strengthening respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms and enhancing democratic
structures;
Supporting reforms in the field of Justice, Liberty and Security;
Enhancing the economic integration of Armenia into the European Union's internal market.
Activities carried out between 1 March and 31 December 2011 in these three areas is detailed below.
IV. JUSTICE, LIBERTY AND SECURITY
In the Justice, Liberty and Security sector the EU Advisory Group has focused on supporting Armenia’s
reforms in Justice, integrated border management, law enforcement and migration. In these areas, the
group has closely cooperated with the National Security Council (NSC) Staff, the Ministry of Justice (MoJ),
the Police, the State Migration Service (SMS) and the Armenian Border Control authorities.
1. Justice and National Security
The Armenian National Security Council Staff represents the political body that coordinates cooperation
between the relevant Armenian and European institutions. Together with the Ministry of Justice, it also
drives and shapes reforms in the Armenian JLS sector.
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In the past year, the EUAG’s support to NSC Staff focused on the development of the “Strategy to
Accelerate reforms in the Republic of Armenia within the Framework of the EU Eastern Partnership” and
the related “List of Activities for 2012-2013 Ensuring the Implementation of the EU-Armenia ENP Action
Plan”. A second set of activities focused on providing support to the MoJ in its preparation and follow-up of
the JLS Sub-Committee Meeting between the Armenian government and the European Commission, held
in Brussels on 14 July 2011. Prior to the meeting, participants were provided with a EUAG policy paper
comparing European Commission recommendations on JLS reforms with actual progress achieved to date.
As a result, the European Commission registered notable progress in the reforms and encouraged Armenia
to press on, particularly with reforms related to justice and mobility. In the months that followed – in addition
to other strategic and legal advice provided on various dossiers – the EUAG reviewed and commented on
the new draft of the Justice Reform Action Plan for 2012-2016 prepared by the Ministry of Justice.
The EUAG further advised key beneficiaries on the development of the Institutional Reform Plans (IRPs),
which are a key pre-requisite for implementing the Comprehensive Institution Building (CIB) programme in
Armenia. Other, more ad-hoc activities that were aimed at improving future international coordination
included support to NSC Staff on a review of sectoral national strategy and support to the MoJ on the
mapping of donor activities in the areas of migration and Policy.
2. Law Enforcement
EUAG activities in the area of preventing and fighting against organized crime had only begun in
September 2011. Following an initial needs assessment and gap analysis, the group helped the Police to
prepare a National Action Plan to Fight Organised Crime. Based on EUAG recommendations, a closed
meeting routine was established; it convenes three times a year and gathers middle management officials
involved in the struggle against serious crimes. In addition, the EUAG assisted the Police in its evaluation of
needs for short-term expertise and TAIEX/Twinning instruments.
3. Migration
Regarding migration, EUAG support focused on reaching international standards and achieving more
sustainable human development in Armenian migration policies. The Armenian authorities took important
decisions in 2011, which will ultimately allow for improved legal migration, labour mobility, and return
opportunities as well as for the effective prevention and control of illegal migration: the “Policy Concept for
the State Regulation of Migration in the Republic of Armenia” and the Action Plan 2012-2016 for the
implementation of the concept were approved by the Armenian government and an EU-Armenia Mobility
Partnership was signed. Both steps were facilitated by the EUAG and consequently played a key role in
influencing the EU Council’s decision to open negotiations on visa facilitation and readmission (VF&RA)
agreements in February 2012.
The EU-Armenia Mobility Partnership was signed on 27 October 2011 in Luxembourg at the Justice and
Home Affairs Council. Ten EU member states (Belgium, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, France, Germany,
Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, and Sweden) participate in this partnership, which is a flexible and
non-legally binding framework for the movement of people. It is expected to enhance Armenia’s ability to
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manage migration and inform, integrate and protect migrants and returnees, as well as boost its capacity to
curb irregular migration and human trafficking.
The EUAG assisted the relevant Armenian institutions to establish the partnership as well as to set up a
coordination and management structure for its implementation. Relevant documents, including the “Joint
Declaration on a Mobility Partnership between the European Union and Armenia” and the “Action Fiche for
a Global Initiative on Mobility Partnership”, were thoroughly assessed and a detailed plan of activities in the
migration sector was drawn up with the State Migration Service (SMS) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
(MoFA). Advisory comments on the National Action Plan for the Implementation of the State Regulation
Policy Concept Paper on Migration in the Republic of Armenia (2012-2016) were also provided.
The upcoming negotiations on visa facilitation and readmission agreements will provide visa facilitation –
but not visa liberalisation – for Armenian citizens. The list of suggested visa facilitations include the
simplification of documentary evidence in support of the visa application, the possibility of issuing multiple-
entry visas with a long validity period, the waiving/reducing of the handling fees for specific categories of
travellers, set deadlines for processing visa applications, as well as possible visa exemptions for holders of
diplomatic passports. In addition, the agreements will ease visa requirements for travellers from Armenia in
return for implementing agreed mechanisms for the readmission of irregular migrants. The negotiation of
readmission agreements will facilitate the return of nationals staying without authorisation on the territory of
the EU or Armenia.
The EUAG has directly contributed to the launch of negotiations by issuing a comparative analysis of
Georgian and Moldovan Visa Facilitation arrangements and providing the Armenian migration authorities
with a policy paper summarising key topics to be taken into account during the negotiations. The EUAG
also commented on drafts of the related National Action Plan on Migration Management.
Finally, the EUAG helped to organise a Mobility Partnership Conference in Yerevan on 8 December 2011,
which was aimed at raising awareness about the partnership in Armenia. Supporting awareness campaigns
such as this conference has become an important activity of the group – there is a clear need to foster
realistic expectations amongst Armenian citizens and civil society by informing them about the impact and
the limits of the partnership and the VF&RA agreements.
4. Integrated Border Management
The outcome of negotiations on the visa facilitation and readmission agreements will also depend on
progress made in the introduction of an integrated border management (IBM) system. The EUAG therefore
supported the NSC Staff and Armenian border control authorities throughout 2011 in their implementation
of the “Action Plan and Timetable for Implementation of Border Security and Integrated State Border
Management Strategy of the Republic of Armenia (2011-2015)” – a policy that will help free movement,
boost economic growth and improve border security.
Recommendations were provided to the NSC Staff and the Eastern Partnership IBM Flagship Initiative
Panel on how to ensure further EU support through the EaP Flagship Initiative on IBM. The EUAG reviewed
the RA plans for reconstruction of border infrastructures on the border with Georgia and elaborated a
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proposal on the development of integrated border management and the reform of Armenia’s customs and
tax sector (“Enhancing EU Support for the Implementation of the RA IBM Strategy Action Plan and the
Customs Reform Programme”).
V. DEMOCRACY AND HUMAN RIGHTS
Regarding Democracy and Human Rights, the EU Advisory Group has endeavoured to bolster the stability
and effectiveness of political institutions that aim to guarantee democracy, transparency, dialogue and the
rule of law in Armenia. The participation of political institutions in regional and EU cooperation initiatives has
been encouraged primarily within the framework of the European Neighbourhood Policy and the Eastern
Partnership. The EUAG’s priority in its work on human rights was the strengthening of respect for human
rights and fundamental freedoms, in compliance with international commitments undertaken by Armenia.
1. Human Rights
Activities focused on strengthening the Armenian Human Rights Defender in two ways: raising awareness
of the institution and its role; and building the capacity of the institution. The Human Rights Defender was
also advised on how to strengthen the institution’s role in the United Nations Treaty Bodies process. The
EUAG furthermore supplied the NSC Staff with specific comments on the new National Strategy for Human
Rights Protection and supported the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Protection of Human
Rights and Public Affairs in legislative processes.
Throughout 2011, the EUAG advised the Human Rights Defender institution as it prepared and carried out
regional visits to four Armenian marzes (administrative regions). In November 2011, the Human Rights
Defender met with non-governmental organisations, regional government bodies (marzpetarans) and local
town administrations in the regions of Kapan, Yeghegnadzor, Gyumri and Ijevan. The purpose of the visits
was to raise awareness about the role of the Human Rights Defender and his activities in the regions as
well as to discover the most pressing problems of each Armenian region. During the meetings, discussions
about the possibility of opening Human Rights Defender representations in these regions were held and
rural citizens were given the opportunity to consult the Human Rights Defender about particular complaints.
The EUAG participated in all the visits; it encouraged discussion about how civil society and the Human
Rights Defender can better cooperate and showcased the best practices of such cooperation from EU
states.
In Yerevan, the EUAG helped the Human Rights Defender institution to organise two public conferences: a
media freedom forum, which resulted in the establishment of an Expert Council on the Protection of
Freedom of Expression, and a civil society forum, which strengthened cooperation between civil society
organisations and the institution for the effective protection and promotion of human rights.
In order to increase the capacity of the Human Rights Defender institution, the EUAG contributed to
developing a long-term vision (Strategy of the Human Rights Defender’s Office 2011-2017) and the annual
action plans for 2011 and 2012. Specifically, the group assisted with a staff training needs assessment and
then helped to design a comprehensive training programme for 2012. The EUAG also followed up on the
Twinning project “Support to the Office of the Human Rights Defender” by taking the responsibility to
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achieve targets that had not been reached at the end of that project. Finally, with the aim of further
strengthening the institution, the Human Rights Defender was encouraged to submit applications for TAIEX
Expert Missions.
2. National Assembly and Prime Minister’s Office
Parliamentary reform and interaction with civil society have been the mainstay of activities directed at the
National Assembly and the Prime Minister’s Office. The EUAG has also assisted in the approximation of the
National Assembly (NA) to EU institutions and the increased involvement of the NA in the Eastern
Partnership’s EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly (PA). Significant developments included the Armenian-
Azerbaijani co-chairmanship of a working group and the first-ever EURONEST meeting outside the EP
premises (in Yerevan). At the same time, Armenian political parties have been helped in their efforts to be
integrated into their respective European political families.
Advice to the Armenian Prime Minister was primarily related to the deepening of the EU-Armenia dialogue
and his office was supported in its preparations for four high-level missions to European institutions and
various political fora. One tangible result of this was that the Armenian government and the European
Commission signed a joint declaration on 29 April 2011, in which the European Commission welcomed
Armenia’s reform efforts and the Armenian government expressed its commitment to pursue the political
orientations of the European Neighbourhood Policy. The contribution of the EUAG towards the preparation
of a future EU-Armenia Association Agreement was explicitly mentioned in the document. The group also
promoted and assisted six high-level visits of officials from various EU institutions to Armenia including,
amongst others, the President of the European Parliament (EP) and the EP Co-President of the
EURONEST PA. The visits were aimed at strengthening the institutional ties between the RA NA and the
EU, at promoting the integration of RA political parties into their respective EU political families and at
encouraging Armenia to be more involved in the EURONEST PA. Another achievement was the RA
request for the EP to deploy an observation mission ahead of the upcoming Parliamentary elections.
Advice to the National Assembly concentrated on increasing the parliament’s social legitimacy by involving
civil society more genuinely in the legislative process. The aim was to improve the understanding of the role
and functions of the consultative mechanism that is common across the EU and to promote public
discussion with civil society. Following EUAG recommendations, the Armenian National Platform of the
Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum and the Armenian Young People’s Parliament were involved in the
annual meeting of the EU-Armenia Parliamentary Cooperation Committee. The Committee adopted, for the
second year running, a Joint Declaration1, openly stating the main challenges that Armenia is facing ahead
of further EU integration as well as key priorities for EU-Armenia cooperation. The National Assembly was
also advised to sign a Memorandum of Understanding between its delegation to the EURONEST
Parliamentary Assembly and the Armenian National Platform of the Eastern Partnership Civil Society
Forum – a document that defines the responsibilities of both sides and make this the first real attempt to
1http://www.europarl.europa.eu/document/activities/cont/201111/20111115ATT31540/20111115ATT31540
EN.pdf
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include civil society into the parliament’s legislative work. Further steps included public hearings on a
number of legislative dossiers, which were jointly organised by the NA and the EUAG.
The overall efficiency and stability of the parliament was increased through training of and consultations
with key staff – they were informed about the best practices of parliamentary processes in the European
Parliament. The EUAG arranged three training sessions and study visits to the European Parliament for six
parliamentarians and one NA civil servant in order to provide them with hands-on knowledge about
parliamentary procedures and EU affairs. Although some progress has been made, it must be stressed that
raising awareness in the NA about the need for deep parliamentary reform – including greater political
debate, more interaction with government and better civil society participation – remains a substantial
challenge.
In order to deepen EU-Armenia dialogue through its parliamentary track, advice was given to the National
Assembly on its role in the EURONEST PA. The Armenian delegation was assisted in negotiations on
dossiers such as the main report of the EURONEST Standing Committee on Political Affairs. Furthermore,
following EUAG recommendations, the head of the Armenian delegation became co-chair of the Working
Group on Rules of Procedure along with the head of the parliamentary delegation from Azerbaijan, making
this the only international political body in which the two countries share such a leading role. At the political
level, Armenian parties that had applied for integration into their respective EU political families were
supported in their efforts. This ongoing integration process of Armenian political parties into their EU
political families led to observer status membership for the Republican Party of Armenia, the Rule of Law
Party and the Heritage Party in the European Peoples’ Party in February 2012. This clearly had a positive
effect as the implementation of the EU-inspired reform programme was accelerated due to enhanced
political presence, inevitable cultural spillover as well as commitments undertaken by the parties.
Finally, when the EP President came to Armenia in May 2011 and when the EP Vice President visited in
September 2011, the EUAG advised the NA President to raise the issue of inviting a European Parliament
Observation Mission to monitor the Armenian parliamentary elections in 2012 as a step towards ensuring
full compliance with international standards. Both the EP President and EP Vice President were briefed
beforehand about the political situation in the country. As a result, a written request for such a mission was
submitted by the NA President to the EP President’s office.
VI. DEEP AND COMPREHENSIVE FREE TRADE AREA
"The opening of free trade negotiations marks a turning point in our trade relations with Armenia. We are
entering a new phase that will bring our economic ties to a new level of depth and ambition. The EU is
Armenia's first trading partner and a deep and comprehensive free trade area will enable closer economic
integration of Armenia with the European Single Market thereby helping to boost economic growth in the
country." Karel De Gucht, EU Trade Commissioner, 20 February 2012
On 20 February 2012, the EU decided to launch negotiations towards a Deep and Comprehensive Free
trade area (DCFTA) with Armenia, which will be an integral part of the Association Agreement that aims to
bring Armenia economically and politically closer to the EU.
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The DCFTA will help to significantly expand future trade relations beyond the scope of the current
cooperation that has been in force since the Partnership and Cooperation Agreements of July 1999. The
upcoming negotiations will cover matters that have become crucial to a modern, transparent and
predictable trade and investment environment. The negotiations will not only address conditions of market
access but also focus on approximating the regulatory framework in order to enabling closer economic
integration of Armenia with the EU.
This major step in economic cooperation between the EU and Armenia has been made possible by the
EUAG’s sustained efforts of the past three years. Amongst other activities described in more detail below,
the EUAG significantly contributed to the positive outcome of the EU-Armenia Trade Sub-Committee
Meeting on 29 June 2011, after which the European Commission co-chair spoke of a “new impetus” in
relations. Nevertheless, despite this renewed enthusiasm, it also became evident that at the time quite a
number of specific actions and measures had yet to be implemented in order to convince the EU to launch
the DCFTA negotiations.
In its support to the DCFTA, the EUAG primarily cooperates with governmental bodies that are coordinated
by the Ministry of Economy (MoE) and that work on trade and trade-related issues. Specific topics covered
included technical barriers to trade, sanitary and phytosanitary issues, trade facilitation and customs
administration, as well as the protection of intellectual property rights.
1. Trade Policy
In close cooperation with the European Commission’s Directorate General (DG) Trade, the EUAG has
assisted the Ministry of Economy throughout 2011 to prepare for the launch of DCFTA negotiations by
helping it to coordinate a successful follow-up to the EU-Armenia Trade Sub-Committee Meeting. The
EUAG policy paper laying down a two-phase approach towards DCFTA negotiations took a strategic
approach: it suggested a set of pre-negotiation measures to be taken in a first phase and then measures to
be implemented after the start of and during the negotiations of a second phase.
EUAG activities also included support via the effective deployment of other EU technical assistance and
advisory services. It has contributed to a programming exercise of the EU Delegation, which sought to
identify government institutions that could possibly derive substantial benefits from Twinning in view of their
DCFTA-related mandates and their demonstrated absorption capacity. Various TAIEX and Twinning
proposals of the ministry were further assessed and assistance was provided to existing TAIEX missions
and workshops. In order to raise awareness about Armenia’s ongoing reform actions and reform needs, the
EU Delegation received support in their briefing of the European Commission’s DG Trade and other
concerned services.
2. Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT)
Technical barriers to trade refer to technical regulations, minimum standards and certification systems
which may result in the erection of barriers when trading goods and services. While first-rate technical
regulations and standards are essential for avoiding TBT – they define the specific characteristics of a
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product, such as its size, shape, design, functions and performance, or the way it is labelled or packaged –
TBT are generally caused by the differential application of technical regulations, standards and certification
systems between domestic and foreign suppliers.
Removing and avoiding TBT is a key element in the DCFTA negotiations. In view of EÙ best practices, the
EUAG has reviewed and provided comments on Armenian draft laws on metrology, accreditation,
standardisation and technical regulations in order to prevent the introduction of new technical barriers. The
laws were finally adopted by the government on 17 November 2011, with most of the EU input taken on
board. The laws were approved by the Armenian President on 5 March 2012.
The EUAG also contributed to the implementation of a strategy and action plan for the reform of Armenia’s
quality infrastructure (QI). Advice was provided on how to legally ensure the objectivity, impartiality and
accountability of QI institutions, with a key recommendation being the introduction of management boards
to oversee the work of the institutions. Furthermore, building on the EUAG gap analysis from 2010, a
framework of criteria and benchmarks for Armenian QI infrastructure was developed. While it is evident that
all the criteria mentioned there cannot be met at this stage, the framework will allow policy makers and
implementing agencies to further specify gaps and prioritise actions to be taken in 2012.
3. Sanitary and Phytosanitary Sector (SPS)
In line with international and EU standards, advice on sanitary and phytosanitary issues, i.e. food safety
and animal and plant health measures, is provided to the Armenian State Service for Food Safety, which is
under the direct supervision of the Prime Minister. The EUAG has assisted the ongoing SPS reform
process in order to ensure the effective implementation and enforcement of relevant legislation as well as to
improve the practical performance of the food and feed safety control system.
Based on input provided by the European Commission’s DG Sanco, recommendations regarding the
Armenian food safety strategy and related action plan were made, most of which were incorporated when
the strategy was adopted by the RA government on 17 November 2011. Furthermore, the EUAG has
helped to identify gaps in draft legal acts that regulate phytosanitary issues and proposed amendments on
the registration of producers, importers and processors, the use of “plant passports” and requirements for
plant health checks at border inspection posts. Advice recently centred on the development of the
Armenian food safety laboratory capacity, on a laboratory needs assessment and on the development of a
laboratory network.
4. Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)
It is acknowledged that culture, science and innovation flourish when reforms are targeted at securing an
effective and enforceable system for IPR protection. Such a system is expected to improve Armenia’s
investment environment and its ability to compete in a knowledge-based global economy. In addition, an
effective enforcement system will be crucial for public health and safety, consumer protection and market
competition.
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The political commitment in this area has led to the establishment of an Observatory on Counterfeiting and
Piracy, a government body comprising members from public and private sectors. The EUAG assisted this
observatory as well as the Armenian Intellectual Property Agency (IPA) and the Ministry of Economy in the
enforcement of IPR legislative reforms. It also contributed directly to institutional reforms of IPR
enforcement authorities such as the Police, Customs and the judiciary.
On 10 June 2011, the Armenian government adopted an ambitious IPR strategy in line with policy advice
previously provided by the EUAG. The strategy, amongst others, introduced ex-officio powers, created a
Customs IPR unit and allowed for better allocation of court cases. In addition, assistance was provided to
the implementation of a database on IPR-related judicial acts and the setting up of a customs register, to
which 28 companies have already requested trademark registration. Progress in the area of IPR was
subsequently acknowledged by the EU-Armenia Trade Sub-Committee in June 2011 although concerns
remained about customs enforcement. The EUAG consequently analysed the Armenian Customs Code on
border enforcement of IPR in detail and identified short-falls and potential amendments.
Policy papers directed at the IPA were drafted on the reform of current copyright legislation, the reform of
how the existing authors’ copyrights collective management society is governed, and the establishment of
such a society for performers and phonograph producers. In addition, a benchmarking paper was drafted
that compares the state of play in IPR enforcement in Armenia, Georgia and Moldova.
Together with the enforcement of IPR legislation, awareness-raising measures play an important role in
establishing an effective IPR regime. In 2011, the EUAG published a leaflet (in English and Armenian) on
the hazards of counterfeiting and piracy, organised a series of public workshops to contribute to a better
understanding of IPR issues in civil society and held IPR symposia targeted at judges and court clerks.
5. Customs Administration
In 2011, the EUAG has played an important role in ensuring the harmonisation and simplification of
customs legislation and in strengthening cooperation between customs and other agencies, especially
those working at the border. The group also helped to modernise the system for determining the customs
value of imported goods, a critical element in the DCFTA negotiations.
To enhance the customs clearance process, the EUAG advised the State Revenue Committee (SRC)
about how to reduce and simplify paperwork, rationalise procedures and expand the scope for the
submission of electronic declarations. Statistics on the use of the transaction value method were gathered
and shared with the EU Delegation as well as the European Commission and, as a next step, policy papers
will be provided in 2012. In order to further raise awareness on customs issues among businesses and civil
society, a public seminar was jointly organised with the NSC Staff on customs reforms.
The EUAG also supported the drafting of a comprehensive and integrated “Implementation Plan for Reform
Programmes Related to Customs Issues 2012-2015”, which was based on EU blueprints and international
best practices. A key recommendation of the EUAG was that a Customs Working Group (CWG),
comprising representatives of the Ministry of Finance (MoF) and the SRC, be set up. The working group is
now in place and will coordinate the customs reform agenda and offer advice to relevant institutions.
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VII. HORIZONTAL ISSUES
1. Public Administration Reform
One of the priorities for relations between Armenia and the European Union is the strengthening of
democratic structures and the rule of law. An important aspect of this is regulating how ministries and
agencies function. Last year, public administration reform reached a new stage with the adoption of a
Public Service Law. Indeed, further reform is required to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and
openness of the public service system and bring it closer to European standards – i.e. make it more citizen-
orientated, more accountable and more transparent.
The EUAG has worked closely with the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) since the second half of 2011 to
enhance the functioning and transparency of the Armenian public administration system. Priority steps for
reform have been identified and discussed in ongoing dialogue with the Armenian authorities. The PMO
was specifically advised on its anti-corruption efforts with a review of draft government resolutions on the
publication of asset and income declarations of high-ranking public officials. At the same time, NSC Staff
were assisted in the drafting of a concept paper on territorial development, subsequently adopted by the
government. Finally, the EUAG liaised with OECD Sigma to ascertain the scope of future work to be done
regarding the implementation of a strategy on civil service reform.
2. Diplomatic School
The Armenian government’s desire to strengthen its capacity for political dialogue and cooperation on
foreign and security matters stood behind the foundation of the Diplomatic School in February 2010. The
school helps to build a modern diplomatic service – primarily by improving the recruitment and training of
diplomatic staff. The setting up of the school was supported by the European Union and other international
organisations.
In 2011, the EUAG assisted the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to further develop the curriculum of the
Diplomatic School and recruit distinguished international and European experts as lecturers. A needs
assessment was also carried out in close cooperation with the beneficiary and resulted in the decision that
EUAG support to the school will only be needed in the short-term; in the future, the school will be assisted
by the EU through other instruments such as the European Commission’s EuropeAid framework contracts.
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ANNEX 1: LIST OF STAFF
International Staff
No Name Position E-mail Address
1 Antti Hartikainen (FI) Team Leader [email protected]
2 Goran Pucar (HR) Project Manager [email protected]
3 Catherine Durieux (FR) Policy Advisor to the National Security Council (NSC) [email protected]
4 Eleonora Vergeer (NL) Policy Advisor on Migration [email protected]
5 Kevin Carty (IE) Policy Advisor on Law Enforcement Bodies [email protected]
6 Eduardo Lorenzo Ochoa (ES) Policy Advisor on Strengthening Democratic Structures [email protected]
7 Dalia Zukauskiene (LT) Policy Advisor on Human Rights [email protected]
8 Willem van der Geest (NL) Policy Advisor on Trade Policy [email protected]
9 Alfonso Calles Sanchez (ES) Policy Advisor on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) [email protected]
10 Richard Wheatley (UK) Policy Advisor on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) [email protected]
17
11 Thomas Hempenstall (IE) Policy Advisor on Customs [email protected]
12 Viktors Grapmanis (LV) Policy Advisor on Sanitary and Phyto-sanitary (SPS) Issues [email protected]
13 Lidija Necajeva (LT) Policy Advisor on Phyto-sanitary Issues [email protected]
14 Carl Ulbricht (UK) Policy Advisor on Public Administration Reform [email protected]
15 Frank Van den Bossche (BE) Advisor to the Prime Minister’s Office on Communications [email protected]
16 Frank Schneider (DE) International Communications Expert [email protected]
National Experts
1 Karen Azaryan National Expert on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) [email protected]
2 Haykanush Parsamyan National Expert on Justice, Liberty and Security [email protected]
3 Marine Fidanyan National Expert on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) [email protected]
18
Business Unit
1 Lusine Sargsyan Human Resources Assistant [email protected]
2 Inna Galoyan Communications Officer [email protected]
3 Mariam Daldabanyan Finance Officer [email protected]
4 Irina Makaryan Finance Assistant [email protected]
5 Aram Arekhtsyan IT Assistant [email protected]
6 Lilit Gasparyan Junior Associate [email protected]
7 Anzhela Sargsyan Junior Associate [email protected]
8 Syuzan Ghardyan Interpreter/Administrative Assistant [email protected]
9 Arpenik Ghahriyan Interpreter/Administrative Assistant [email protected]
10 Mariam Chakhoyan Interpreter/Administrative Assistant [email protected]
11 Anna Boshyan Interpreter/Administrative Assistant [email protected]
12 Araik Manukyan Driver/Clerk [email protected]
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13 Levon Harutyunyan Driver/Clerk [email protected]
Trainees
1 Lyudvig Vardanyan Trainee to the JLS Pillar [email protected]
2 Vahe Sargsyan Trainee to the DCFTA Pillar [email protected]
3 Zinaida Muradova Trainee to the Democracy & Human Rights Pillar [email protected]
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ANNEX 2: KEY EVENTS AND MEETINGS
Date Event Description
14 March 2011
28 June 2011
28 September 2011
14 December 2011
5th EUAG Advisory Board Meeting
6th EAUG Advisory Board Meeting
7th EUAG Advisory Board Meeting
8th EUAG Advisory Board Meeting
At the EUAG Advisory Board Meetings (ABMs), the work of the
group was assessed and future activities and fields of advice were
discussed and agreed upon.
The EUAG Advisory Board consists of high-level representatives
from Armenian state institutions, the European Commission, the
United Nations Development Programme and the EU Advisory
Group.
The 5th, 6
th and 7
th ABMs were co-chaired by Artur Baghdasaryan,
Secretary of the National Security Council, and Raul de
Luzenberger, EU Ambassador to Armenia. The latter was replaced
in the 8th ABM by the new EU Ambassador Traian Hristea.
20 May 2011 EUAG/NSC Joint Seminar on
Intellectual Property Rights Enforcement
The seminar was the first of a series of regular joint EUAG/NSC
seminars on reform progress in Armenia. It was aimed at reforms in
the Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) sector and informed
participants that progress has been achieved in terms of IPR
legislation, the increasing role of the IPR specialised unit of the
police, the licensing of software in certain sectors, and, last but not
least, the collection of authors’ remuneration.
12 October 2011
EUAG/NSC Joint Seminar on
Customs Issues
The seminar addressed the issue of reform in the Armenian
Customs Service and helped to promote dialogue between
participants and officials on issues relating to trade facilitation,
including the Customs clearance process and the availability of
simplifying procedures.
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4 November 2011
Closed Meeting on
Organised Crime
The closed meeting was an opportunity for all Armenian
investigative practitioners in the organised crime sector to examine
and discuss the challenges and opportunities that relate to their
operational cooperation and intelligence exchange and identify
ways to further enhance this cooperation.
17 to 24 November 2011 Human Rights Defender
Regional Consultations
The EU Advisory Group supported the organisation of the Human
Rights Defender’s visits to four Armenian marzes (regions). The
purpose of the visits was to raise awareness among the rural
population about the role of the Human Rights Defender and his
activities as well as to discover the most pressing problems in each
Armenian region.
23 to 25 November 2011 Symposia on
Intellectual Property Rights
The symposia gathered key IPR stakeholders, including judges,
prosecutors and police officers, with the aim of facilitating dialogue
and raising awareness on ongoing reforms in the field of IPR.
13 December 2011 Public Hearing on the
draft Human Rights Protection Strategy
The aim of the public hearing was to present the Draft National
Strategy on Human Rights Protection to representatives of civil
society, international organisations and state authorities.
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