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Cross-border co-operation between Armenia and Georgia

Bringing the people of Armenia and Georgia closer together based on shared principles and common heritage, which transcend boundaries, was the key objective of the 2nd Stage of the Leadership Academy for Cross-border Cooperation for local authorities of the bordering regions of Armenia and Georgia, which took place in Akhaltsikhe (Georgia) on 17-19 October 2022.

The Leadership Academy Programme, implemented in the context of the Council of Europe Action Plan for Armenia 2019-2022, was opened by Martina SCHMIDT, Head of Council of Europe Office in Yerevan, Natalia VOUTOVA, Head of Council of Europe Office in Georgia, Vache TERTERYAN, Deputy Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure of the Republic of Armenia, and Mzia GIORGOBIANI, Deputy Minister of Regional Development and Infrastructure of Georgia.

 This capacity-building workshop for Mayors and senior officials examined the current legal framework in both jurisdictions; helped develop capacities and defined possible measures to overcome obstacles to cross-border cooperation in line with the conclusions of the Budapest Conference of the Council of Europe.

A delegation from the regional authorities in Armenia and Georgia also participated.

The Academy has been developed by the Council of Europe’s Centre of Expertise for Good Governance and is being implemented in several stages on alternating sides of the border with the objective of deepening knowledge, developing networks, and supporting the establishment of cooperation mechanisms.

 

The Leadership Academy for Cross-border Cooperation – Stage 2 is being organised in the frames of the Project “Decentralisation and Cross-border Cooperation” financed through the Council of Europe Action Plan for Armenia 2019-2022.

Akhaltsikhe, Georgia 17-19/10/2022
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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