ABNews

Return of cultural property. What will change under the new agreement between Armenia and Greece

Analysis | 2025/07/17 12:43

Return of cultural property. What will change under the new agreement between Armenia and Greece

1. Construction and Infrastructure Projects in the Regions

The Government of Armenia has approved AMD 1.568 billion in funding for urgent regional programs. The goal is to improve water supply, roads, storm drains, the condition of multi-apartment buildings, kindergarten facilities, and more. The programs will be implemented in Ararat, Armavir, Lori, Kotayk, Shirak, Syunik, Tavush, and Vayots Dzor, covering 16 infrastructure projects.

Examples:

Construction of an irrigation network for the Zangakatun reservoir (Ararat)

Reconstruction of streets and construction of playgrounds in Alaverdi (Lori)

Construction of a new kindergarten wing in Ptghni, Abovyan (Kotayk)

Construction of water pipelines in Ijevan (Tavush)

2. "Education Is Our Strategy": New Stage of the “300 Schools and 500 Kindergartens” Program

The government has allocated around AMD 3.4 billion to the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports for the construction, furnishing, and technical upgrading of educational institutions.

Breakdown:

AMD 1.3 billion for school construction

AMD 700 million for the construction of educational complexes

AMD 120 million for furnishing 61 kindergartens

AMD 545 million to service exchange rate fluctuations of a loan program

New AI (Artificial Intelligence) learning centers have also been established under the “AI Generation” program. The number of schools involved will increase to 42, which will receive technical upgrades and serve as certification centers.

3. Rapid Response Fund Replenishment

AMD 40 million will be allocated to restore schools damaged by storms and hail. The urgent needs of approximately 25 schools in the regions will be assessed.

4. List of Completed Kindergartens to Receive Furnishing

A detailed list of more than 60 kindergartens by region and community has been presented, where construction is completed. These will receive furnishing support. Some were built through charitable programs, others through subsidy-based, modular, or urgent initiatives.

5. Additional AMD 1.5 Billion for New Educational Buildings and Documentation

With a new budget reallocation, funding will be provided for:

Final stages of construction for 3 kindergartens and 1 school

Reconstruction of 3 gyms

Construction of 5 new kindergartens

Design and technical documentation for 15 schools, along with surveying of completed facilities

6. Free Spots in Vocational and Secondary Professional Institutions

For the 2025/2026 academic year, the following free education spots will be provided:

3,312 spots for vocational programs in 58 institutions

6,064 spots for secondary professional education programs in 74 institutions

Special attention is given to students from the regions. As a result, 90% will benefit from state support. For example, all 200 slots for the renewable energy specialty were filled last year.

Prime Minister’s Message to Students
Nikol Pashinyan presented a new, simple, and direct message to students, which will be displayed in schools—especially newly constructed ones:

"Study well, so you can live well."

According to the Prime Minister, this message reflects the core of the national education strategy.

7. New Regulation on Bonuses for Servicemen and Their Families

Several legal procedures have been updated, resulting in:

Clearer processes for recognizing disabilities among servicemen

Simplified documentation requirements

Eligibility to receive bonuses under multiple grounds (e.g., Combat Cross, participation, disability)

Bonuses to be granted to families of the fallen based on the data registry—without requiring extra documentation

8. Support for Brandy Producers and Grape Purchasing Businesses

Due to obstacles in the transit of brandy through Georgia, the government has taken several support measures:

The deadline for grape purchase contracts has been moved from August 1 to September 1

Repayment of principal loans issued in 2022–2023 can be extended for up to 6 months

Similarly, deadlines for repaying budget guarantees will be extended

In case of violations, subsidized amounts will be subject to repayment

9. Public Health Security Action Plan

Actions have been outlined to:

Increase effectiveness in responding to biological threats

Implement the “One Health” principle

Reduce antibiotic resistance

Improve the health system’s emergency preparedness

10. Regulation for Awarding Named Scholarships

New rules have been approved:

Scholarships will be awarded to school students who win diplomas in national and international Olympiads, ranging from AMD 5,000 to 25,000 per month

Scholarships will be issued for 12 months, via non-cash methods

If a student qualifies under multiple grounds, they can receive the total sum

The same applies to military-educational institutions—up to AMD 45,000 per month

11. Insurance for Cultural Heritage Experts

Starting March 1, 2026, mandatory insurance for experts in the field will come into force. The goal is to:

Protect the interests of the state and clients

Compensate for damages resulting from professional errors by experts

12. New Workout Areas in Kapan, Jermuk, Chambarak, and Berd

To open new workout areas, the following is planned:

Opening events in 4 communities

Training for physical education teachers

QR-coded instructional videos at each site

13. Investment Incentives for Businesses

The government has approved customs duty exemptions for several companies, including:

Battery recycling plant in Artashat ("Mel Metal" LLC)

Printing materials production in Kotayk ("Edgar Partners" LLC)

Glass container production ("Saranist" LLC)

Greenhouse for growing roses in Akunk ("Mimo Trade" LLC)

14. Reforms in Water Legislation

Amendments to the National Water Program and the Water Code are planned to:

Ensure sustainable use of groundwater

Restore artesian basins

Implement effective management mechanisms

15. Reform of General Education School Management

With legislative changes, a centralized management system for general education schools will be established, including:

Inventory of functions

A roadmap for digitalization

Analysis for work distribution

16. Support for Families Without Housing in the Disaster Zone

The government has decided that, within the 2025 state budget framework, housing issues will be resolved for 7 more families in the disaster zone.

Other Decisions

Agreement between Armenia and Greece on the protection of cultural heritage

Approval of a proposal to sign the agreement, aimed at:

Preventing the illegal import/export of cultural property

Training experts

Supporting the restitution of stolen cultural assets

 

*The article was also prepared using data from AI

Share

Read also