Brussels - The European Commission adopted the Annual Action Programme 2012 for Armenia in the framework of the Eastern Partnership, accelerating justice reform and preparing the ground for increased bilateral relations, political association and economic integration with the EU.

The new assistance will include: new training opportunities for key national institutions, providing expert advice and best practice, setting up of schools for lawyers, judges and prosecutors. The overall goal is an independent, transparent and effective judiciary to serve the Armenian people, and builds on the EU's previous support to judicial reform in Armenia.

The funding will also support those Armenian institutions involved in the preparation and future implementation of new EU-Armenia agreements currently being negotiated, and in particular the Association Agreement (including a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area), and the Visa Facilitation and Re-admission Agreement.

In total, the Annual Action Programme 2012 provides 60 million Euros of bilateral allocation to Armenia. European Commission reports that the assistance comes through the European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument (ENPI).