YEREVAN. – Armenia has to take advantage of the possibilities provided by EU, including economic development, said the Co-Chair of the Conference of Regional and Local Authorities for the Eastern Partnership (CORLEAP).

 Co-Chair Markku Markkula urged to deepen cooperation using a tremendous experience of the European Union.

“It is very important to attract young people, including representatives of the Armenian Diaspora. Armenians live throughout Europe, it would be desirable to call them back [to Armenia] and to prevent brain drain,” he said.

The goal of CORLEAP in Yerevan is to deepen ties between the bureau members and to work out a plan for the coming two years.

“We also consider possibility of funding local and regional authorities,” Mr. Markkula said.

“CORLEAP” is the political forum of local and regional authorities from the European Union and the Eastern Partnership countries.