The negotiations over a draft association agreement between the European Union (EU) and Armenia are intense and effective, Gunnar Wiegand, Director for Eastern Europe, South Caucasus and Central Asia, European Commission, told journalists in Yerevan, commenting on the results of the third round of negotiations.

He hopes Armenia and the EU will reach the highest cooperation level, which will promote regional contracts. Mr. Gunnar Wiegand pointed out results of corruption and organized crime control, as well as of social reforms. He stressed that negotiations over a draft association agreement involving 14 areas are under way. The Armenian tourist industry is particularly promising and needs special attention. The sides are negotiating agricultural cooperation, focusing on macroeconomic efficiency and state financial management. Communications, information technologies and climatic changes are on the agenda as well. All the issues will be thoroughly discussed at the Eastern Partnership summit in Budapest this May.  Mr. Gunnar Wiegand hopes that an economic agreement will be reached as soon as next year, which will open up ample opportunities for Armenian products to enter the world market. However, Armenia should pay attention to food safety and European requirements. Mr. Gunnar Wiegand noted that the EU provides not only consultations, but also financial aid, €100 million, to Armenia on its way to the association agreement.