Back Armenia - Georgia Cross-Border Cooperation: a Promising Start

Armenia - Georgia Cross-Border Cooperation: a Promising Start

Breaking down barriers, overcoming obstacles, building friendship, and promoting a common vision for a shared space are among the expectations of Mayors and senior local officials from Armenia and Georgia who have come together in the Debed River valley for the 1st Stage of Leadership Academy Programme for Cross-border Cooperation (LAP for CBC).

The aim of the Council of Europe is to bring countries closer together based on shared principles and common heritage which transcend boundaries. Building on the Conclusions of the Budapest Conference on Cross-border Cooperation, the Centre of Expertise for Good Governance has launched this interactive training programme in the context of the Democratic Development, Decentralisation, and Good Governance in Armenia project.

The activity was launched by two deputy ministers and members of the European Committee on Democracy and Governance: Mr Vache Terteryan, Deputy Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure of the Republic of Armenia, and Ms Mzia Giorgobiani, Deputy Minister of Regional Development and Infrastructure of Georgia. Participants from several municipalities on each side of the border were joined online by their colleagues from central and local administrations eager to follow the training activity based on Council of Europe standards such as the 12 Principles of Good Democratic Governance.

The first stage of the LAP for CBC also offers participants the opportunity to develop ideas for cooperation based on culture, heritage, and technological cooperation through visits to the COAF Smart Centre, the House Museum of H. Tumanyan, and a tour of the Sanahin Monastery and Mendz Er Cave.

The project is implemented by the Centre of Expertise for Good Governance in the context of the Council of Europe Action Plan for Armenia and funded by the Austrian Development Cooperation.

Lori, Armenia 17/05/2022
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Democratic Development, Decentralisation and Good Governance in Armenia

Start date: January 2019
Duration: 36 months
Budget: 1 500 000 EUR
Donor: Austrian Development Cooperation
Partners: Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure, local authorities in Armenia, local government associations, civil society organisations
 

The Project “Democratic Development, Decentralisation and Good Governance in Armenia” aimed at supporting democratic consolidation by developing effective, accountable and transparent local government bodies, promoting good governance principles, and fostering inclusive participation and equal opportunities for women in political decision-making across mutually reinforcing lines of action. The specific objectives of the Project were to strengthen the legal framework for local democracy in Armenia based on European standards; develop the capacities of local institutions and officials; promote local ownership and sustainable outcomes; and promote respect for principles of good governance and public administration.

It was expected that as a result of the Project:

  • Legal and policy advice provided to the Government of Armenia and local authorities will ensure that the legislative, institutional and fiscal framework for local democracy is improved in line with European standards through inclusive participation and equal representation.
  • Capacity-development of local authorities will contribute to more efficient and effective structures, improved transparency and accountability, and the inclusive participation of women, youth and poor / disadvantaged groups in relevant decision-making processes.
  • Capacity-development of local authorities and provision of start-up grants will lead to the establishment of inter-community unions that provide improved services to citizens.
  • Benchmarking of standard municipal services and local finances will lead to improved financial management and increased fiscal autonomy of municipalities.
  • Enhanced understanding and application of good governance principles will strengthen institutional structures at local level. Particular attention will be paid to public ethics, equality between women and men, human resource management.

Developing Democracy through Community Projects, 2022