We Are Investing Every Possible Effort to Support Armenia: EU Ambassador's Message

The EU Ambassador Andrea Victorin has issued a New Year message stating, "The festive days are approaching when we would typically meet with loved ones, taste delicious dishes, exchange gifts, and visit relatives and friends. I believe that this time the celebrations will be quite different. We are ending this year facing tragic events that have deeply affected Armenia and the Armenian people.

At the beginning of the year, the devastating COVID pandemic caused loss of lives, health, and also economic security. The war in Nagorno-Karabakh resulted in loss of lives, health, and a sense of stability. My heart is filled with sorrow and compassion for those who have lost their loved ones. Although it is difficult for me to say, we all know that these difficulties are not over. Currently, there are 90,000 displaced persons registered in Armenia who cannot celebrate the holidays in their homes. During this challenging period, 20,000 host families have opened their doors and welcomed those who fled the war to Armenia, offering them hospitality. Local and international organizations are helping as best they can.

Amid the ongoing pandemic, thousands of healthcare workers, teachers, police officers, and others are working for each of our safety, risking their own health and lives. Speaking on behalf of all the staff of the European Union Delegation in Armenia, I promise that we are investing every possible effort to support Armenia in this challenging situation.

From the very beginning of the pandemic outbreak, we have done significant work to mitigate its impacts. By partnering with local organizations, we have provided food and hygiene products to those in need, and tablets to children to continue their education at home. Together with EU member states, we have supplied hospitals with medical equipment. Numerous highly skilled professionals from the medical sector in EU countries have supported their Armenian colleagues. We have allocated grants to small businesses. Additional support is planned for the private sector in 2021. To date, we have provided €35.6 million to the Government of Armenia to support vulnerable families and businesses.

Together with our member states, we have offered humanitarian support to the populations affected by the Nagorno-Karabakh war. The European Commission has provided €3.9 million in aid to support the civilian population affected by the conflict in the region. We continue to work with local organizations to provide food, hygiene necessities, and mental health support to those displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh.

At the same time, we realize that we must do much more, and we are working hard to support you.

Dear Armenian people, under normal circumstances, I would wish everyone a joyful New Year. However, today I modestly wish you that the coming year will be a year of hope and peace, as well as a year marking the end of the pandemic. I also wish for strength—for you, your loved ones, and for Armenia. May better and brighter days come soon."