Azernews.Az

The European Commission announced Thursday new funding for Azerbaijan to help reform the institutions responsible for bilateral relations with the EU, in particular those in the areas of justice and migration.

This support will contribute to the implementation of the actions agreed in the context of the EU Azerbaijan Action Plan, including in streamlining the visa application process, which will help to increase mobility for Azerbaijani people, says a press release by the European Commission.

Support to regional development will also continue in order to help reducing regional, social and economic differences and to promote growth through job creation. Support will be in the form of policy advice, assistance, studies or training, which will be provided in areas related to socio-economic development of the regions.

The Annual Action Programme 2012 for Azerbaijan provides 19.5 million euros of bilateral allocation to the country. The assistance comes through the European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument (ENPI). The new support will focus on the implementation of the European Neighbourhood Policy Action Plan priorities and institutional reforms.

A number of instruments will be mobilised to implement these goals, especially twinning operations between EU and Azerbaijani institutions, technical assistance and cooperation with international organisations under the Comprehensive Institutional Building Programme.