Armenia
Over the past two years, Armenia has continued to struggle with a daunting set of challenges, ranging from serious deficiencies in the democratization process to significant shortcomings in the area of economic reform. After yet another flawed election in February 2008 which saw the emergence of street protests, violent clashes and the death of at least ten supporters of the opposition, Armenia seems unable to overcome its internal political crisis. Lingering discontent among an ever more actively engaged population and the government's lack of legitimacy have further worsened the ongoing crisis of confidence. This political crisis only magnifies the country's democracy deficit and demonstrates the need for a greater role for Armenian civil society organizations (CSOs).
In December 2010, President Serzh Sarkisian's surprising declaration, in which he pledged for a "democratisation of Armenia's political system" and called for a "civilised dialogue" between all political parties and groups, seemed to be a turning point in the "political monologue" lead by the country's elite groups. Backed by a significant Cabinet reshuffle of three key ministries (economics, finance and justice) and by the gradual introduction of an amnesty for a group of ten opposition activists detained during the country's March 2008 post-election crisis, Sarkisian's declaration gave the impression that he was ready to address the democratic deficit of his country. However, these events did not suffice to convince the Armenian civil society that a real change would occur. This scepticism can partly be explained by the deepening of divisions within Armenian civil society which led, in autumn 2010, to an open conflict within the Armenian national platform of the EU-Armenia Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum.
Although there has been some limited progress with regards to political reform over the past two years, Armenia's democratic transition remains incomplete. The development of a more resilient, pluralist and participatory democracy in Armenia is challenged by the inherently closed nature of the country's political system and institutions. The fulfilment of democracy is further hindered by the absence of an underlying rule of law, which has fostered an "arrogance of power" of the Armenian government and has allowed corruption to flourish unchecked.
Projects funded by EPD:
Two primary areas of focus were identified for Armenia: strengthening capacities of carefully identified Armenian CSOs and opening the space for communication with the Armenian government. The two projects, one on "Accountability via Implementation of Freedom of Information Law" and another aiming at creating "Advocacy Resource Centres for Civic advancement" were started in April 2009 and were finalized on June 30, 2010.
CAPACITY BUILDING OF ARMENIAN ADVOCACY (NGO CENTER)
Projects implemented by EPD
STRENGTHENING CIVIL SOCIETY IN ARMENIA (Financed by NED and OSCE)
EPD reports on Armenia
EPD has produced a Research paper "Armenia on the threshold of change. The Lingering Impact of an Unresolved Political Crisis". The paper's electronic version is accessible here.
Other articles about Armenia on the EPD website