YEREVAN, 2 JULY, ARMENPRESS: Several Members of European Parliament expressed concerns to High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton about the activities of EU delegation in Armenia. “Armenpress” reports calling the official website of European Parliament that such concerns expressed MEPs from Spain Jose Ignacio Salafranca and Lithuanian MEP Laima Andrikiene.

In the letter Jose Ignacio Salafranca has written:

“With regard to the excellent level of relations established between the European Union and Armenia, which will soon be consolidated with the signing of the Association Agreement between the two parties, I should like, first of all, to highlight the enormous progress that has been achieved in the last two years.
Furthermore, Parliament has displayed, in various resolutions, its support for the superb initiative to deploy in this country the EU Advisory Group, which has played a defining role in this progress.
However, since the beginning of 2012, the constant interference from the European Union Delegation in Armenia, and the deliberate marginalisation of national institutions from decision making, in complete contradiction to the philosophy and legal basis of the project, are seriously undermining the effectiveness of this excellent cooperation format.
In addition, this unacceptable attitude, which is not representative of the admirable level of understanding reached with this country, is generating a profound sense of unease in the Head of Government, as well as in the Armenian Parliament, which could affect all of our relations.
What measures does the European External Action Service (EEAS) intend to take in order to contain this situation and regain the trust of the Armenian institutions?
How does it intend to instruct the European Union Delegation in Armenia so as to avoid similar actions which completely contradict the spirit of our relations?
What actions is the Commission proposing in order to re-establish the legitimate involvement of the Armenian authorities in the decision making of the EU Advisory Group, and how could this effective cooperation tool be strengthened?”

Lithuanian deputy said the following:

“As a Member of the European Parliament and a Euronest Parliamentary Assembly committee Chair who closely monitors EU-Armenia relations, I am very pleased with the progress made by this South Caucasus country, and aware of the important role that the EU Advisory Group to the Republic of Armenia has played in it. I have witnessed the contribution made by this important cooperation project in the last three years, and Parliament has underlined its support for the EU Advisory Group in four resolutions adopted during the current term.
I am also well aware of the importance accorded to this project by Armenian state institutions and of the high level of interaction they now have with the advisers in the EU Advisory Group.
However, I have learned from our Armenian colleagues that during the last 12 months the EU Delegation has deliberately excluded Armenian state institutions from the decision-making process for this agreement-driven project, a situation that is contrary not only to the spirit of our relations but also to the legal base of the EU Advisory Group.
This unacceptable and erratic management by the EU Delegation, which does not correspond to the level of understanding reached with Armenia, has resulted in the loss of all the key advisers in the EU Advisory Group and created worrisome and unnecessary discontent in Armenian state institutions, which could undermine our wider relations.
1. What remedial action is the Commission going to take to stop this situation and genuinely involve Armenian state institutions once again in the EU Advisory Group’s decision‐making process?
2. How is the Commission going to monitor the EU Delegation’s management of this flagship project in order to avoid such irresponsible actions, which are absolutely contrary to the spirit of our friendly relations?
3. How can this effective cooperation tool be reinforced?”.

The response of High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton runs as follows:

“The HR/VP fully shares the view that EUAG has been an excellent cooperation instrument in the EU relations with Armenia.
The HR/VP would like to assure you that there has been no intended suppression or restriction of advisory support. The mandate of the EU Delegation in the management and oversight of the project is clearly defined, as is the role of UNDP as the implementing partner. In case currently perceived problems, mentioned in the honourable member's question, would persist, the HR/VP would be grateful for these being brought again to her attention.
The HR/VP would also like to re-assure you that in view of forthcoming new stage of relations between EU and Armenia, governed by the Association Agreement, the EU plans to further increase its advisory support to the Armenian side in the framework of the project. As an example, an additional seconded post of advisor to the National Assembly has been published in order to assist the Armenian parliament in increasing its institutional capacities to tackle the task of approximation with EU legislation.
Regarding the legitimate and appropriate involvement of the Armenian authorities in the management of the project, it is assured in the framework of the Advisory Board of the EU Advisory Group. It is the project body when involves the beneficiaries directly in the decision making. The board meets on a quarterly basis and its decisions are considered mandatory. Within its framework, the beneficiaries have been consistently consulted on reports, work plans and have also participated in the selection committees of advisors.”

The EU Advisory Group is to assist the Armenian authorities in the preparation of a process to negotiate, conclude and implement an Association Agreement with the European Union, including setting up a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA).