Artashes Sargsyan

Ecoteam NGO (EaP CSF ANP WG3)

The Policy Paper is devoted to European Commission JOINT STAFF WORKING DOCUMENT (JSWD) “Recovery, resilience and reform: post 2020 Eastern Partnership priorities” released by EU on 02.07.2021.  JSWD covers the time interval from 2021 to 2025 and is based on 5 pillars: democracy and the rule of law, economic recovery, the environment, the digital transition, and more inclusive societies. JSWD presents an economic and investment plan with 10 targets and country-specific flagship initiatives. The changes to the EaP architecture are also indicated.

Current data on energy sector in Armenia and perspectives of its development were presented in the paper based on public documents on energy sector. In short, information on recently approved NDC in Armenia is brought.

In this policy paper a review of several platforms like the High-Level Energy Efficiency Initiative, the Green for Growth Fund, the Covenant of Mayors and the Eastern Europe Energy Efficiency and Environment Partnership indicated in the JSWD was done. Their roleinattracting investments in energy and climate change areas in Armenia has been analyzed. One of the top ten targets established in the documents and related to energy consumption and directed at all 6 partner counties is to have “250 000 households that reduce their energy consumption by at least 20% and to create jobs in this sector” (page 10). It is expected to renovate 5000 residential buildings. According to JSWD, it is expected to mobilize potential investments of up to €3.4 billion with focus on improving energy efficiency standards in buildings, and making renovations of public and residential buildings (page 21) more affordable.

Regarding investments in Yerevan, it is emphasized that it should be a reasonable combination of criteria related with reducing green gases emissions, targeting social vulnerable groups, reasonable pay-back period on investments, not destroying and preserving buildings – historical monuments of architecture, etc. with involvement of public discussion.

Recommendations have been provided on education of energy auditors, NGOs involvement in monitoring energy facilities, energy efficiency buildings, to use STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) activities for the benefits of the targets of the document.

The full Paper is available here.