On January 23, 2025, the European Union Delegation in Armenia announced the launch of three new programs aimed at addressing the needs of refugees. These initiatives, implemented in collaboration with local and international civil society organizations, aim to support the socio-economic inclusion and integration of refugees while protecting their fundamental rights.
The EU-funded programs focus on the following key areas:
- “Promotion of Sustainable Livelihoods, Entrepreneurship Development, and Employment Opportunities for Displaced and Host Communities”
This program, implemented by Caritas Armenia, Impact Hub Yerevan, and Iris Business Incubator, focuses on creating economic integration opportunities. It aims to support startups, existing businesses, and provide training and job placement opportunities. - “Rise – Armenia: Recovery, Social Inclusion, and Empowerment of Displaced and Vulnerable Populations”
Implemented by World Vision Armenia, “Man in Need” Organization, and the Armenian Association of Social Workers, this program seeks to improve access to social and rehabilitation services and address the essential needs of refugees and vulnerable groups. - “Human Rights for Refugees and with Refugees”
This program, implemented by the Democracy Development Foundation, Estonian Refugee Council, Coalition Against Violence Against Women, and Commit Global, focuses on raising awareness about refugees’ rights and addressing their needs through advocacy and information dissemination.
Since September 2023, the European Union has mobilized over 67 million euros to support refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh. This includes 18 million euros in immediate humanitarian aid provided by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO).
During the launch event, Andreas Papakonstantinou, Director for Neighbourhood, Middle East, Southwest, and Central Asia at DG ECHO, emphasized the EU’s approach:
“Our shared goal is not only to address urgent needs but also to support refugees and their host communities in creating a resilient and inclusive environment for all.”
In 2024, the EU provided 15 million euros in budgetary support to the Armenian government, with an additional 25 million euros planned for 2025. Anna Zhamakochyan, Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Affairs of Armenia, highlighted the importance of inclusion and integration, emphasizing the need for collaboration between the government, civil society, and international partners.
The EU Ambassador to Armenia, Vassilis Maragos, reaffirmed the EU’s commitment:
“The European Union remains committed to supporting the socio-economic integration of refugees in Armenia. We believe that collaboration among various stakeholders and the empowerment of refugees and host communities are key to finding inclusive and sustainable solutions.”
Nelly Davtyan, Head of the Migration and Citizenship Service of the Armenian Ministry of Internal Affairs, reiterated the government’s dedication to addressing the needs of displaced persons from Nagorno-Karabakh.
These initiatives demonstrate the joint efforts of the European Union and the Armenian government to meet the needs of refugees and vulnerable groups, ensuring their inclusion in society.