EU gives 7.7 million euros to Armenia on border crossing modernization

Within the programme "Complex Management of State Borders in Southern Caucasus", Armenia will receive 7.7 million euros from the European Union (EU) on modernization of three border checkpoints. This was announced today by Arthur Bagdasaryan, Secretary of the National Security Council (NSC) of Armenia.

According to his story, soon modernization of the border crossings Bagratashen, Bavra and Gogavan will begin.

According to the NSC's Secretary, the upgrading and operation of border infrastructure in line with European standards will greatly improve the business environment in Armenia, facilitate the traffic of humans and goods and reduce corruption risks.

In his turn, Grigory Malintsyan, programme manager in Armenia, has noted that the project will contribute to the three South-Caucasian countries. "However, thinking that within a year all the border checkpoints of Armenia may be brought into full compliance with European standards, is too naive," he said. In his opinion the process will take much more time.

Jean-Christophe Guérande, a member of the EU delegation in Armenia, believes that the programme plays an important role in creating the atmosphere of safety. "It will promote free movement of people and reduce the risks of corruption and trafficking," he said. Mr Guérande has added that the EU welcomes the efforts by the Armenian authorities in implementing this project.

In Armenia, the programme "Complex Management of State Borders in Southern Caucasus" is implemented within the framework of the Armenia-EU political cooperation with participation of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which coordinates the funds allocated by the EU. The programme aims to implement practical mechanisms of complex border management in Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan and promote the intra-, inter-departmental and international cooperation in the South-Caucasian countries, with EU member-countries and international bodies. The programme is aimed at ensuring the legitimate travels of people and goods and due border protection.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on February 18 a memorandum of understanding was signed between the EU and Armenia on provision of macro-financial assistance to the latter amounting to 100 million euros. Of these, 65 million will be provided as a credit, and 35 million - as a grant.