YEREVAN. – In case of the absence of visible results in the fight against corruption in Armenia, the European Union (EU) will not allocate the intended €15 million.

Ambassador Piotr Świtalski, Head of the EU Delegation to Armenia, stated the aforesaid speaking at Friday’s conference on anticorruption.

In his words, combating corruption needs to become a cause for national unity in Armenia, and that this battle must become a priority for the country.

Świtalski believes that fighting corruption is of strategic importance to Armenia. He stressed that this battle is already a national security issue for the country, and expressed the hope that they will be able to record respective visible changes.

As per the EU diplomat, the civil society and the government of Armenia have a similar perception of the fight against corruption.  

In his words, even though the EU has allocated €15 million along the lines of combating corruption in Armenia, this amount is not yet given and spent; and in case of absence of respective results, this money will not be allocated.

The EU ambassador, however, expressed the hope that the fight against corruption has taken on new impetus in Armenia, and that the results will be substantial.

He considered it indispensable to set up an independent and strong body in Armenia that will combat corruption in the country. 

But in conclusion, Piotr Świtalski stated that they need respective actions, facts, and accomplishments.