Supporting the self-governance and economic development of Armenian municipalities

Context

The number of Armenian municipalities was reduced and their scope for action improved through a territorial and administrative reform. Overall, however, the municipalities are characterised by strong economic and social disparities. Many of them are dependent on state transfer payments, as they usually have very little income of their own. In addition, the provision of municipal services, such as waste management, water supply and wastewater disposal, is often of inadequate quality.

The insufficient performance of Armenian municipalities in terms of needs-based services, inclusive citizen participation and local economic development is a challenge for the long-term development of the municipalities and a risk to social cohesion.

Objective

Local self-governance has been strengthened, municipalities provide better services and local economic development is supported. As a result, selected Armenian municipalities are developing more effectively, efficiently and with a focus on citizens’ needs.

Approach

Together with the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure (MTAI), which is responsible for policy development in the area of decentralisation and local self-governance, the project aims to:

• improve the national strategic and regulatory framework for integrated municipal development, for example through more decentralisation;
• expand the institutional capacities of selected municipalities to perform citizen-oriented steering and management functions, for example through adapted planning and budgeting processes;
• support the provision of municipal services in selected municipalities and promote the citizens trust in municipal and state institutions;
• enhance the conditions for local economic development.

Last update: March 2024