New cooperation strategy with Armenia; EBRD is conducting needs assessment

Deputy Ministers of Justice Karen Karapetyan and Levon Balyan presented the reforms agenda of the Ministry of Justice to the delegation led by European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Regional Lead Economist for Eastern Europe and Caucasus, Deputy Director Dimitar Bogov. During the meeting, the Deputy Ministers attached importance to the level of the longstanding and effective co-operation established between the two institutions. The reforms agenda for the judicial-legal sector, the anti-corruption field and the compulsory enforcement sector, as well as the legislative mechanisms for their development were considered from the perspective of an atmosphere of trust in investments in the country. Deputy Minister Karen Karapetyan presented the key reforms and strategic priorities in the judicial-legal sector and the anti-corruption field. The steps being taken to improve access to courts and ease the burden of the judiciary — promoting alternative dispute resolution methods, separating cases subject to compulsory mediation, transferring cases with payment orders to the notarial sector, and incorporating digital technologies — were touched upon. The parties also discussed the activities geared towards the development of an integrity system within the Civil Service and the judicial-legal system, as well as the activities targeted at development of business integrity. The steps aimed at simplifying the bankruptcy sector and bankruptcy procedures were also emphasised. Deputy Minister Levon Balyan introduced the agenda of reforms being implemented in the compulsory enforcement sector. Instead of the Law "On the Compulsory Enforcement Service" adopted 25 years ago, the Law "On the Penitentiary Service" and its regulations, which are being developed in line with international standards, targeted at the efficiency of enforcement proceedings and improvement of levying processes, were considered. The parties agreed to continue co-operation in the near future and to hold further working discussions following preparation of the draft of the strategy of the EBRD related to Armenia. It should be mentioned that the EBRD is launching the preparation of a new five-year strategy for co-operation with Armenia, within the scope of which the needs assessment is currently being conducted.